Wisconsin GOP gubernatorial candidate Bill Berrien quits race amid porn controversy
Berrien withdraws days after reports of his online following of explicit accounts; Republicans brace for a smaller field as Democrats prepare for a crowded primary.
Bill Berrien, a Wisconsin Republican vying for governor and a backer of former President Donald Trump, dropped out of the race Friday after a controversy over his online activity years ago. Berrien, a former Navy SEAL and chief executive of Pindel Global Precision, launched his bid on July 9, 2025. The Republican primary is scheduled for August. With his withdrawal, the field shifts to U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany and Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann, while Democrats run a crowded contest to replace Gov. Tony Evers, who is not seeking a third term.
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported that Berrien followed nonbinary porn performer Jiz Lee and other authors of sexually explicit essays on Medium.com, along with publications dealing with sexuality. The disclosures were followed by a swift reaction from within the party and from critics of his candidacy. Berrien later defended the activity in discussions with The Associated Press, saying the coverage focused on articles he read years ago and describing the coverage as cherry-picked to force him out of the race. He said the material presented a salacious picture but that reading content was not illegal or immoral.
In responding to the controversy, several Republicans had urged Berrien to exit the race, while Schoemann and Tiffany weighed their options ahead of the August primary. Schoemann refrained from addressing the social-media history directly in his statement, instead thanking Berrien for his willingness to serve his country. Tiffany did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Democrats framed the development within a broader dynamic that has shaped Wisconsin GOP campaigns: loyalty to former President Trump continues to influence which candidates are viable in a nomination fight. A Democratic spokesperson suggested that Berrien's decision to withdraw was driven more by his past criticisms of Trump than by the online activity reported this week. The party noted Berrien had at times questioned the level of Trump loyalty among GOP contenders, underscoring how the party believes party alignment can influence primary outcomes.
Berrien, who led Pindel Global Precision and marketed himself as a family-values candidate, had voiced positions on social issues that drew attention during the campaign. His exit comes less than three months after he entered the race, illustrating the challenge for outsiders trying to secure the Republican nomination in a state that has not elected a Republican governor since 2010. Wisconsin’s political landscape remains highly competitive as both major parties prepare for August’s primary.
As the field shifts, Republicans face the task of realigning their messaging and fundraising efforts to stay competitive. The Democratic field remains broad and fluid, with Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, state Sen. Kelda Roys, and state Rep. Francesca Hong among those exploring bids. Other potential contenders include Attorney General Josh Kaul, former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes, and former state economic development director Missy Hughes, though no formal announcements had been made at the time of Berrien’s withdrawal.
The governor’s race in Wisconsin is open for the first time since 2010, after Evers chose not to pursue another term. The outcome could hinge on how the remaining candidates frame issues such as education funding, taxes, public safety, and the state’s handling of economic growth, as well as how they navigate the shifting priorities of a GOP base still strongly influenced by Trump.
The immediate next steps will play out in the August primary, where Wisconsin voters will decide which Republican and which Democrat will advance to the general election. Republicans will need to consolidate support behind a single candidate to maximize their chances in a state that has long been a battleground in national elections, while Democrats will look to capitalize on a wider field to build momentum heading into the fall campaign season.