Reince Priebus Endorses Vukmir In GOP US Senate Primary

Former White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus has endorsed state Sen. Leah Vukmir, R-Brookfield, in this fall’s Republican primary for one of Wisconsin’s U.S. Senate seats.

Vukmir is running against former Marine Kevin Nicholson in the Republican primary. The winner will face the incumbent, Democrat U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin, in November.

Speaking on WISN radio in Milwaukee, Priebus said he chose Vukmir because of her support for things like school vouchers and repealing the prevailing wage.

“This is not some moderate Republican we’re talking about,” he said. “We’re talking about a Republican who’s constantly pushing a conservative agenda.”

Before working at the White House, Priebus served as the Wisconsin Republican Party chairman and head of the Republican National Committee.

Vukmir tweeted Monday that she’s “honored” by the endorsement.

.@Reince knows exactly what it takes to win in Wisconsin, and I am honored to have his support for my U.S. Senate campaign. 🇺🇸#wisen #wiright #maga pic.twitter.com/ghHM22CHtc

— Senator Leah Vukmir (@LeahVukmir) January 22, 2018

Priebus also criticized Nicholson for his former affiliation with the Democratic Party. He said he doesn’t think Nicholson has done enough to show his conversion is real.

“I just find this all too convenient, all too contrived, and I just don’t buy it,” Priebus said.

Nicholson was national president of the College Democrats of America and spoke at the Democratic National Convention in 2000.

Nicholson has been endorsed by a pro-Donald Trump super PAC with ties to former White House advisor Steve Bannon.

Both Republican candidates have the backing of prominent Republican donors. Uline Corp. founder Richard Uihlein supports Nicholson. Billionaire Wisconsin businesswoman Diane Hendricks supports Vukmir.

Editor’s Note: This story was updated with reporting from WPR at 11:27 a.m. Monday, Jan. 22, 2018.