OUTAGAMIE CO, WI (WTAQ) – Outagamie County executive Tom Nelson is suspending his campaign for U.S. Senate.
Nelson made the announcement on Twitter, saying ultimately that his decision came down to money.
“Money makes a big difference, I’ve won elections where I’ve been outspent three-to-one, four-to-one, but I was getting outspent 30-to-one,” Nelson told WTAQ.
The Democratic candidate was in the running for the seat currently held by Republican U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson.
Nelson endorsed Lt. Governor Mandela Barnes, something he says “consolidates the progressive vote”.
“I would like all of my supporters to join us,” said Nelson in a video posted to Twitter. “Mandela is a good man, a good progressive, and will be a strong nominee this fall.”
Polls showed Nelson trailing the other democrats in the primary.
In a recent Marquette Law School poll, among the Democratic challengers, Lt. Gov. Barnes had 25% of the vote and Milwaukee Bucks executive Alex Lasry at 21%. State Treasurer Sarah Godlewski trailed at 9% while Nelson was at 7%.
The primary is set for August 9th The winner will advance to face Johnson, who is seeking a third term.
Rob Sussman, WTAQ contributed to this report.
