16-07-2025
What to know about Bill Berrien, latest Republican to jump into Wisconsin governor race
A second Republican has officially joined next year's race for Wisconsin governor, though current Democratic Gov. Tony Evers hasn't announced whether he'll run for a third term.
Bill Berrien, a Navy SEAL veteran and manufacturing CEO, launched his campaign July 9. He joins Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann, who's also running as a Republican. More candidates could join the GOP primary field.
In his first campaign ad, Berrien likened himself to President Donald Trump as "an outsider and a businessman."
"The globalists shipped our jobs in factories to China and the career politicians let it happen. Not us. We went all-in on Wisconsin," Berrien says, referring to his manufacturing business.
Here's what to know about Berrien, the latest Republican to declare a run for governor:
What is Bill Berrien's political experience?
Berrien describes himself as a "political outsider" and hasn't campaigned for or held elected office.
In April, Berrien formed a political action committee, making him the first Republican to make a public move toward running for governor.
What is Bill Berrien's military background?
Berrien was a Navy SEAL for nine years, according to his campaign website, and served as a team officer and platoon commander. He attended Army Ranger School and the SEAL Sniper Course.
His PAC is called "Never Out of the Fight," inspired by the Navy SEAL team ethos.
What is Bill Berrien's manufacturing business?
Berrien is the CEO of Pindel Global Precision and Liberty Precision, which is based in New Berlin. He acquired the company in 2012.
The company is a contract manufacturer of precision machined components for industries like aerospace, defense and agriculture. Pindel also manufactured parts for ventilators during the COVID pandemic.
What is Bill Berrien's platform?
Among Berrien's top priorities are promoting Wisconsin's manufacturing industry, lowering taxes and ensuring local law enforcement work with federal agencies to carry out deportations.
Berrien criticized Evers for vetoing legislation that blocks transgender students from participating in sports teams that align with their gender identity, calling it "radical social experimentation."
In an interview with the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Berrien said he was opening to legalizing marijuana in some capacity and keeping Wisconsin's current 20-week abortion law.
More: Where Wisconsin GOP governor candidate Bill Berrien stands on Trump, abortion, marijuana and more
How old is Bill Berrien?
Berrien is 56.
Who is in Bill Berrien's family?
Berrien and his wife, Betsie, have three children — Grace, Will and Joe. He coaches his son's high school lacrosse team.
Where did Bill Berrien go to college?
Berrien received his bachelor's degree in politics from Princeton University, a master's from Johns Hopkins University, and an MBA from Harvard Business School, according to his LinkedIn profile.
While attending Princeton, he was captain of the school's water polo team.
Where is Bill Berrien from?
Berrien, who grew up in New York City, describes himself as a Wisconsin "convert" who moved to the state two decades ago for his career and chose to raise his family here.
He lives with his family in Whitefish Bay, a northern suburb of Milwaukee.
Does Bill Berrien support Trump?
Berrien is seeking to align himself with Trump. In the 2024 Republican presidential primary, he supported former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley but switched his support to Trump in the general election.
Berrien told the Journal Sentinel he supports Trump's tariff policies and posture toward China, saying he wants to replicate such policies at the state level.
What are Democrats saying about Bill Berrien?
In a statement, Democratic Party of Wisconsin chairman Devin Remiker said Berrien is "rich enough to buy himself some attention and clueless enough to think that's going to work — just like Elon Musk did this past April only to see his political career end."
Who else is running for governor in Wisconsin?
Evers hasn't announced whether he'll seek a third term, telling reporters July 7 his decision would come in a "couple weeks."
If he chooses not to run, it could open up a Democratic primary. Attorney General Josh Kaul, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley and Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez are among the potential Democratic contenders.
On the Republican side, possible candidates include Senate President Mary Felzkowski, former U.S. Senate candidate Eric Hovde, former U.S. Senate and governor candidate Tim Michels, and U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany.
More: Businessmen Tim Michels, Eric Hovde considering return to politics with runs for Wisconsin governor
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Who is Bill Berrien, Republican candidate for Wisconsin governor?
