Scott Walker Says He Won’t Run For Office In 2022

Former Gov. Scott Walker says he won’t run for governor or U.S. Senate in 2022, potentially opening up the GOP field for the two statewide races.

Walker told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel he has accepted a job as president of the Young America’s Foundation, a group that promotes conservative ideas among young people.

“This would preclude me from running for governor in this next cycle or running for the U.S. Senate if Ron Johnson’s seat is open,” Walker told the newspaper.

Walker previously left the door open to running for either office after he lost his bid for a third term as governor last year.

While U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson has not announced his plans, he had previously pledged to serve just two terms in the U.S. Senate, which would have him leaving office after this term ends Jan. 3, 2023.

Johnson has said recently he might run for a third term in the Senate if his seat is seen as a firewall that would allow Republicans to retain control of the U.S. Senate. He has also opened the door to potentially running for governor.

Walker served in public office for decades before losing the governor’s race last year, winning his first term in the Wisconsin Assembly in 1993. Walker was elected Milwaukee County Executive in 2002 and won his first term as governor in 2010.

The former governor is serving as an honorary chair for the Center for State-led National Debt Solutions, a group leading the push for a balanced budget amendment to the U.S. Constitution. He’s also serving as a national finance chairman for The National Republican Redistricting Trust, a group that advocates for Republicans in redistricting disputes.

Walker said he will start his new position with the Young America’s Foundation in 2021. He told the Journal Sentinel he will look for a residence in northern Virginia or Washington in addition to maintaining a residence in Wisconsin.