Trump backer running for Wisconsin governor followed explicit accounts online

MADISON, Wis. — A Republican manufacturer running for governor in Wisconsin, Bill Berrien, a conservative supporter of “family values” and President Donald Trump, followed numerous sexually explicit accounts online, including a nonbinary pornography performer, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported Monday. Berrien, 56, is a political newcomer who chairs Pindel Global Precision, a manufacturer in Wisconsin, and is one of two announced Republican candidates for governor in 2026. The GOP primary is about 11 months away. Several Democrats have also announced campaigns to try to succeed Democratic Gov. Tony Evers, who is not seeking a third term.

The Journal Sentinel reported that Berrien maintained an account on Medium.com where he followed Jiz Lee, a nonbinary pornography performer, and several authors of sexually explicit essays. The outlet also noted that he followed “publications” on Medium that explored sexuality and relationships involving multiple partners. After the newspaper contacted him about the history, Berrien stopped following 23 people, including the most explicit accounts. He reacted to the inquiry on X, posting, “Is this the best they can do?” and later described the Journal Sentinel story as “garbage political hits.” He did not dispute the substance of the report in his comments to the AP or in his post on X.

Berrien’s campaign spokesman spoke to The Associated Press, saying there are many important issues affecting Wisconsin and the nation, and that the focus should be on his plan to reindustrialize the state, grow the economy, and deliver prosperity through work. In his public remarks and on his campaign website, Berrien has been critical of transgender policy initiatives. On his campaign site, he asserts that “our daughters’ sports teams and locker rooms are at risk because of radical social experimentation.”

The question of online activity comes as Berrien positions himself as a blunt, reform-minded alternative in a field that already includes Josh Schoemann, the Washington County executive and the other declared Republican candidate. Schoemann declined to comment on the Journal Sentinel report. The Wisconsin Democratic Party also declined to comment on the matter.

In the broader context of Wisconsin politics, the 2026 race to replace Evers is shaping up as a high-profile contest pitting candidates who tie their campaigns to competing visions of public safety, schooling, and economic development. While Berrien emphasizes “family values” and a push to reindustrialize Wisconsin, opponents and critics have underscored the need for transparent conduct from candidates and a focus on policy proposals rather than personal history. The primary will test the durability of each candidate’s message as state voters weigh concerns about taxes, jobs, education policy, and the balance of power between state government and local communities.

Overall, the episode highlights how digital footprint and past online activity are becoming increasingly central to political scrutiny, even as candidates insist their future plans should dominate voter consideration. With the primary approaching, campaigns from both parties are likely to confront questions about conduct, media scrutiny, and the credibility of each candidate’s stated policy priorities.