Navy SEAL Veteran Bill Berrien Enters Wisconsin Governor’s Race

Navy SEAL veteran and CEO of two manufacturing companies Bill Berrien entered Wisconsin's 2026 gubernatorial race Wednesday as a political outsider like former President Donald Trump. 

In a military-themed campaign kickoff video, Berrien, 56, pledged to challenge Democratic incumbent Gov. Tony Evers and support a “Wisconsin First” platform.

“I’m an outsider and businessman just like President Trump, and I’ll shake up Madison like he’s shaking up D.C.,” Berrien said in the video. Behind him, a tank and patriotic emblems showed his military and populist credentials.

Joining Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann, Berrien is the second Republican candidate. The two are first-time statewide candidates. Gov. Evers has stated he will decide later this month whether to run for a third term.

However, Berrien used his campaign launch to slam Evers for supporting illegal immigration and “boys into our daughters’ sports and locker rooms.” He promised to sign a bill Evers vetoed this year prohibiting transgender athletes from girls' sports.

Berrien also criticized Evers for suggesting gender-neutral legal wording for IVF and surrogate families, calling words like “mother” and “wife” into question. Berrien utilized those plans to contrast the Democratic administration's culture without them in the state budget.

Even after Evers signed a $1.5 billion tax cut, he pledged reductions. Increased police support, wages, and manufacturing in Wisconsin were other major pledges.

Democrats replied fast. State party head Devin Remiker condemned Berrien's candidacy as Trump's extension, vowing to defeat “whoever Trump handpicks.” He said Democrats will defend the seat using the same method that won the 2022 governor's race and state Supreme Court elections.

Berrien, married with two children, managed Pindel Global Precision and Liberty Precision for over a decade after nine years as a Navy SEAL. His PAC has raised $1.2 million since April.

Other Republicans, like Rep. Tom Tiffany and Senate President Mary Felzkowski, are considering running.