OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
On a number of occasions during this year’s GOP primaries ahead of the midterms in November, candidates alternately backed by former President Donald Trump and his vice president, Mike Pence, have squared off.
The political media has referred to these as “proxy” battles between the two former running mates and described the races as preludes to what may come in terms of who could pick up the 2024 GOP presidential nomination.
Trump has not formally announced a candidacy, and neither has Pence, though reports claim both are considering it. Trump himself has dropped hints for most of a year indicating he will throw his hat into the ring again.
But in the meantime, the two men are increasingly backing rival Republicans who are vying for the GOP nomination in a variety of races around the country, ranging from congressional elections to governorships.
And on Tuesday, the former president as able to notch another win as his candidate handily beat one backed by Pence.
Pence backed former Wisconsin Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefish for the Republican gubernatorial nomination while Trump got behind businessman Tim Michels, the latter of whom became the clear winner on Tuesday.
Per The New York Times, Michel received 47.2 percent versus 42 percent for Kleefish. Michel will now face off against incumbent Democratic Gov. Tony Evers, who ran unopposed in his party’s primary.
It should also be noted that the race was also a sort of proxy between Trump and former GOP Gov. Scott Walker, who was one of 16 other GOP candidates losing the 2016 presidential nomination to Trump.
A reminder: WI governor race not just Trump-Pence proxy fight, it’s also a Trump-Walker proxy war. https://t.co/nw9BDkMMoR
— Charlie Sykes (@SykesCharlie) August 9, 2022
Newsweek noted regarding the Wisconsin Republican gubernatorial race:
The Wisconsin race was the third time Pence and Trump had backed opposing candidates in the GOP primaries. The results were seen as a signifier as to which direction the GOP, and its voters, are heading as both men are reported to be gearing up for a run for president in 2024.
The Wisconsin race was just the latest high-profile Trump-Pence contest. In Georgia’s primary, Pence backed incumbent Gov. Brian Kemp, whom Trump has repeatedly criticized following the 2020 election, while the former president backed former U.S. Sen. David Perdue. Kemp won that race handily.
Meanwhile, Trump-backed Kari Lake, a former newscaster, won her primary race against Pence-backed Karrin Taylor Robson, though that race was tighter than many expected and took days to call. The seat is open given current Republican Gov. Doug Ducey is unable to run for re-election due to term limits.
Lake’s campaign website noted that she has been endorsed by a slew of top Republicans, including Trump.
“She is STRONG on CRIME, Will PROTECT our BORDER, 2ND AMENDMENT, MILITARY, VETS, and will FIGHT to RESTORE ELECTION INTEGRITY.” — PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP
“Her opponents won’t even show up to debate her and she is the Trump MAGA candidate in Arizona.” — PETER NAVARRO
“Kari Lake is a STRONG WOMAN and will truly be a GOVERNOR for the PEOPLE of ARIZONA. She Doesn’t owe any favors to the political class or any special interests.” — GENERAL MICHAEL FLYNN
“Please ELECT this WOMAN if you still Believe in FREEDOM and LIBERTY in ARIZONA.” — DONALD TRUMP JR
“She is a CONSERVATIVE, freedom fighter, wants to make sure we SECURE the southern border, and to carryout President Trump’s America First Agenda…” — SENATOR MARSHA BLACKBURN
“After thoroughly reviewing Kari Lake’s newly released strategy, I fully endorse her BOLD plan to finish President Trump’s wall and SECURE Arizona’s border…” — BRANDON JUDD
“I am proud to endorse Kari Lake to be our next Governor. Arizona is at a crossroads and the state needs a governor who will work with the people, and for the people, and not just special interests.” — U.S. CONGRESSMAN PAUL GOSAR
Newsweek also reported that Trump won another victory on Tuesday: One of the 10 House Republicans who voted to impeach him following the Jan. 6 riot lost his primary race.
Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler fell to third place in an open primary for Washington state’s 3rd Congressional District, finishing behind Trump-endorsed Joe Kent. The race was won by Dem Marie Perez, but in Washington, the two top candidates advance to the midterms regardless of party.
