Former White House chief of staff Reince Priebus is reportedly considering a run for governor of Wisconsin in 2022.
A source familiar with Priebus said he had begun conversations with top Wisconsin Republicans about the prospects of challenging Democratic Gov. Tony Evers next year, according to Politico.
He previously served as the chairman of the Wisconsin state Republican Party, and then won election as chairman of the Republican National Committee.
He is a close ally of top Wisconsin Republicans, including former House Speaker Paul Ryan and former Gov. Scott Walker.
Priebus would likely face a competitive Republican primary. Former Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch has also been laying the groundwork for a potential campaign and has already received Walker’s support.
Other potential GOP candidates include former U.S. Senate candidate Kevin Nicholson, U.S. Rep. Mike Gallagher, former U.S. Rep. Sean Duffy and lobbyist Bill McCoshen.
Priebus was Trump’s first chief of staff but was fired in 2017.
However, the two have mended their relationship since then. Priebus even appeared at Trump’s Wisconsin-based campaign events during the 2020 election.
Trump reportedly ousted Priebus because he did not think Priebus was strong enough to run the White House operation.
“The president has a right to change directions,” Priebus said at the time. “The president has a right to hit a reset button. I think it’s a good time to hit the reset button.”
Priebus made it clear he was not bitter about his removal.
“I’m always going to be a Trump fan,” he said. “I’m on Team Trump, and I look forward to helping him achieve his goals and his agenda for the American people.”
