GOP gubernatorial candidate Schoemann visits Northern Wisconsin State Fair
"Being a county executive, the buck stops with me, and you need to lead by example," Schoemann said Friday during a visit to the Northern Wisconsin State Fair in Chippewa Falls.
Schoemann, 43, has served as Washington County executive — an elected position — for the past five years. Previously, he was the county administrator for six years. He announced in early May his plan to run for the governor's seat as a Republican. Washington County is located in the suburban Milwaukee metro area.
Democratic Gov. Tony Evers, 73, has indicated he will announce in coming weeks if he will seek a third term.
Schoemann is the second Republican to announce his candidacy for the seat. On Wednesday, Bill Berrien, 56, a suburban Milwaukee businessman and former Navy SEAL, also announced he will seek the position. So, a Republican primary will be held in August 2026, ahead of the November 2026 election.
Schoemann said he started mulling a run for governor last fall, as he participated in eight bus tour campaign rallies for President Donald Trump, followed by working on the campaign for State Supreme Court candidate Brad Schimel earlier this year.
"I had so many people ask me to run for governor," he said.
He is now focused on criss-crossing the state, shaking hands, meeting people, and hearing their concerns.
"I've been to almost 40 counties now, in just two months," he said.
The top issue he's hearing is frustration with the education system, whether it's people upset about the school funding formula, or angry parents who dislike some of the topics and "woke" discussions.
His campaign announced Friday that they have raised about $420,000 in the two months since he announced his candidacy.
Schoemann was critical of the 2025-27 biennial budget, which passed a week ago.
"It's not good for the state of Wisconsin," Schoemann said. "It's not as bad as what the Governor had proposed. It will take us from a surplus to a deficit. It passed with a federal gun to the head."
Schoemann vowed that as governor, the budget process would be done under a different approach and bring more people to the table.
"We talk past each other, not with each other," he said.
A state budget under Schoemann would mean "putting more money back in people's pockets," he said.
Lowering the tax rate is vital because he has heard too many stories about people of all ages moving out of the state, sometimes for warmer climates but sometimes for lower taxes.
"People are leaving for better opportunities, and not coming back," Schoemann said.
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The Hill
3 minutes ago
- The Hill
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The Hill
3 minutes ago
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USA Today
3 minutes ago
- USA Today
The IRS has had six leaders in 2025. What that means for taxpayers.
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