Trump rallies in Waukesha for Tim Michels

WAUKESHA, Wis. - Former President Donald Trump was in Waukesha on Friday, Aug. 5 to campaign for gubernatorial candidate Tim Michels.

Delayed by weather, Trump went on roughly an hour-and-a-half later Friday, but the crowed waited and gave a big welcome – at one point chanting "We love you" after he took the stage.

Trump endorsed Michels, a U.S. Army veteran and construction company co-owner, as the Republican candidate for Wisconsin governor.

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"I’m honored to be endorsed by President Trump," said Michels. "I wish he was president today."

Michels and former Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch are the front-runners for in the Republican primary race for governor. Trump called Kleefisch a career politician and part of a failed establishment, saying Michels is the "real deal" choice.

"As your governor, Tim will crack down on violent crime, and he won't play games. He will fight to lower soaring energy costs, create jobs, guarantee free and fair elections. The elections will be free and fair," he said.

Kleefisch's campaign said in a statement that Michels has not been consistent in his support for Trump for president in 2024, first refusing to say Monday and then saying he would back Trump the next day.

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Former Vice President Mike Pence has endorsed Kleefisch. State Rep. Timothy Ramthun is also running.

Whichever candidate wins the Aug. 9 Republican primary, he will face Democrat incumbent Gov. Tony Evers in the general election on Tuesday, Nov. 8.