Wisconsin Governor's Race Heats Up with $400,000 in Ad Buys

Republican gubernatorial candidate Bill Berrien has announced a significant investment in cable TV, radio, and online ads, spending about $400,000 just 13 months before the August 11, 2026, primary. This early and extensive ad buy marks a significant moment in the Wisconsin governor's race, with Berrien becoming the first candidate to purchase ads of any kind. The ads aim to solidify Berrien's position as a staunch supporter of former President Donald Trump, particularly in the critical Milwaukee and Green Bay areas, where a significant number of Republican voters reside.

Key Takeaways:

Republican gubernatorial candidate Bill Berrien has spent about $400,000 on cable TV, radio, and online ads, making him the first candidate to purchase ads in the Wisconsin governor's race.
Berrien's ads focus on his support for former President Donald Trump, with the slogan "an outsider and a businessman just like President Trump."
The ads aim to reach a significant number of Republican voters in the critical Milwaukee and Green Bay areas.
Berrien, a 56-year-old Navy SEAL veteran, has been running his campaign on a platform of advancing the Trump agenda and shaking up Madison for over a year.
Several other Republicans, including U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany, U.S. Senate candidate Eric Hovde, and state Senate President Mary Felzkowski, are also considering running.
Democratic Gov. Tony Evers has not announced whether he will seek a third term, and his spokesperson had no immediate comment on Berrien's ad buy.

Statistics:

$400,000 - The amount spent by Bill Berrien on cable TV, radio, and online ads.
13 months - The time remaining until the August 11, 2026, primary.
2026 - The year of the primary that Berrien is campaigning for.
56 - The age of candidate Bill Berrien.
$30,000 - The amount donated by Berrien to former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley's presidential campaign.
2020 - The year Berrien criticized Trump's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sources:

Associated Press, "Wisconsin's Republican candidate for governor spends $400,000 on ads" (2025)
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Berrien says he's running to 'advance the Trump agenda, shake up Madison and put Wisconsin citizens first'" (date not specified)
Fox Business, "Bill Berrien interview" (August 2020)
The Associated Press, "Trump Supporter Plots Run for Governor in Wisconsin" (2025)