The race for Wisconsin governor has taken a turbulent turn as Republican newcomer Bill Berrien faces scrutiny over his past online activity.
The 56-year-old CEO, who is running on a “Wisconsin First” platform and often compares himself to Donald Trump, has been accused of following sexually explicit content online, including transgender performers.
The revelation has sparked debate among party members and voters about his suitability for office.
Berrien Responds to Online Activity Claims
Berrien addressed the issue in a statement to The Associated Press, downplaying concerns about his browsing history.
He said he unfollowed several accounts after a local newspaper reached out to him, but insisted the story is a distraction from more pressing state issues.
On social media, he wrote, “Is this the best they can do? Just days after I promised to stand with President Trump to protect our state, stop the woke indoctrination, and keep boys out of girls sports, they came after me with the same failed attacks they tried with President Trump.”
He emphasized that his focus is on plans to revitalize Wisconsin’s economy and bring prosperity through work, rather than being sidetracked by past online activity.
Allegations of Hypocrisy on Social Issues
Berrien’s criticism of transgender rights and advocacy for protecting girls’ sports teams has been central to his campaign.
However, the report from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel highlighted that he had followed accounts related to sexually explicit content and nonbinary performers on the website Medium.com, as well as blogs exploring alternative sexual lifestyles.
After being contacted by the newspaper, Berrien removed the accounts, but he did not deny the story.
A campaign spokesperson confirmed that he deleted the accounts after the inquiry.
Calls from Republicans to Drop Out
The controversy has led some Republicans to question Berrien’s candidacy.
Wisconsin College Republicans urged him to step aside, while prominent strategist Bill McCoshen suggested the revelation could mark the end of his campaign.
Conservative talk radio hosts and social conservative leaders have also criticized Berrien, particularly his support of Nikki Haley in the 2024 presidential primary and his indecision about Trump in 2020.
Dan Degner, president of Wisconsin Family Action, noted that “family and sexuality issues matter” to GOP voters and indicated that his organization would only consider endorsing a candidate who champions social conservative causes.
Berrien’s Campaign Promises and Vision
Despite the backlash, Berrien continues to push forward with his first gubernatorial bid.
He is campaigning on a platform that includes cutting taxes, reversing Governor Tony Evers’ policies on immigration and transgender participation in sports, and positioning himself as a business-minded outsider who can shake up Madison.
In his campaign launch video, Berrien walks past a tank and highlights Trump’s achievements in Wisconsin, calling the 2024 election “historic.”
He describes his team as experienced and capable, claiming they can build on Trump’s success to make this “the Wisconsin century.”
GOP Primary and Political Context
The Wisconsin Republican primary is 11 months away, with Berrien currently competing against at least one other announced GOP candidate, Joel Schoemann.
Democrats have also started announcing their own bids to succeed two-term Governor Tony Evers, who is not seeking a third term.
Berrien’s entry into the race has been marked by both high ambition and intense scrutiny, as he navigates allegations of hypocrisy, calls for him to step aside, and the challenge of appealing to conservative voters while maintaining focus on his policy goals.
Berrien Frames Himself as Trump-Style Outsider
Throughout the campaign, Berrien has repeatedly likened himself to Trump, emphasizing his outsider credentials and business experience.
“I’m an outsider. I’m a businessman, just like President Trump, and I’ll shake up Madison like he’s shaking up D.C.,” Berrien told Fox News.
He has criticized the last decade of state leadership under Evers, calling the incumbent a failure on immigration and education policies, and pledged that his administration would reverse those trends while boosting Wisconsin’s economy.
Social Issues at the Forefront
Berrien has particularly focused on transgender participation in sports, pledging to sign legislation that would bar transgender athletes from girls’ and women’s teams—a stance that has generated both support and criticism in Wisconsin’s political landscape.
While his tax-cut proposals have been met with some skepticism, he has criticized Evers for not pursuing mass deportations and for vetoing similar legislation last year.
Berrien argues his approach would protect families while creating a more prosperous state.
Scrutiny Intensifies as Election Approaches
As Berrien navigates the fallout from the online content revelations, his campaign remains under the microscope from both party leaders and voters. Conservative strategists and social organizations continue to debate whether he represents the values they want in a gubernatorial candidate.
With less than a year to the GOP primary, Berrien’s ability to maintain momentum and address the controversy surrounding his personal behavior will likely play a key role in determining his path forward.
Berrien’s Position as a Political Newcomer
Despite the turbulence, Berrien remains a political newcomer running for Wisconsin’s open governor seat.
His campaign is emphasizing outsider status, conservative principles, and alignment with Trump-style politics, aiming to appeal to voters who desire bold changes in the state.
Whether he can overcome scrutiny and unify conservative support will be one of the most closely watched developments in the 2025 Wisconsin gubernatorial race.