Republican Wisconsin Senator Ron Johnson announced Sunday that he is officially running for a third term in the U.S. Senate.
Johnson released a statement Sunday morning confirming his decision. Via WBAY 2 Green Bay:
“In 2010, I promised I would always tell people the truth and that I would never vote with re-election in mind. An extension of that promise is that I don’t conduct myself worrying about re-election. When re-election is not your primary motivation, those are easy promises to keep – and I have faithfully done so. That attitude is relatively unique in Washington, and it may be one reason why many appreciate having me involved in the national debate,” said Senator Johnson.
“So today, I am announcing I will continue to fight for freedom in the public realm by running for re-election. It is not a decision I have made lightly. Having already experienced a growing level of vitriol and false attacks, I certainly don’t expect better treatment in the future. In order for my campaign to succeed, I will need the support of every Wisconsinite who values the truth and refuses to allow lies and distortions to prevail.”
Johnson further articulated his reasoning in an op-ed for The Wall Street Journal. “During the 2016 campaign, I said it would be my last campaign and final term. That was my strong preference, and my wife’s—we both looked forward to a normal private life,” Johnson wrote. “Neither of us anticipated the Democrats’ complete takeover of government and the disastrous policies they have already inflicted on America and the world, to say nothing of those they threaten to enact in the future.”
“Nor did we anticipate the pandemic, the government’s failed response to it, the loss of freedom that has resulted, and the tyrannical approach taken by the elites who have created and maintained a state of fear that allows them to exercise control over Americans’ lives. Instead of everyone working to achieve the goal President Biden stated during his inaugural address—unifying and healing America—it feels as if our nation is being torn apart.”
“I believe America is in peril,” Johnson added. “Much as I’d like to ease into a quiet retirement, I don’t feel I should. Countless people have encouraged me to run, saying they rely on me to be their voice, to speak plain and obvious truths other elected leaders shirk from expressing—truths the elite in government, mainstream media and Big Tech don’t want you to hear.”
Multiple outlets reported Friday that multiple Republican leaders expected Johnson, who originally campaigned on a pledge to serve just two terms, to run again in 2022. The Daily Wire reported:
Johnson, one of former President Trump’s staunchest allies in Congress, previously declined to say whether he was running for another term in the Senate, but CBS News reported that Johnson is being pressured to run again…
CNN also reported Friday that Republicans were “growing bullish” that Johnson would announce he was running again, with one source saying that Johnson could make an announcement as soon as next week…
Top Republicans have also publicly expressed interest in Johnson running again. “I’ve always believed he’s going to run,” said Florida Senator Rick Scott, chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee.
Former Wisconsin Republican Party Chairman Andrew Hitt concurred. “I fully expect to see Sen. Johnson run for reelection,” he told CNN. “He’s continued to travel the state. He’s been very active. All signs really point to him getting in the race very soon.”
According to both outlets, Johnson is favored by operatives in both parties in a race that is considered one of the more competitive races in the 2022 midterms. Democrats see Johnson as vulnerable because of past statements he made regarding COVID-19 treatments and the January 6 Capitol riot. Republicans, however, see Johnson’s incumbency and the favorable electoral environment as advantages in the race, which could possibly determine whether Republicans flip the Senate in 2022.
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Source: Dailywire
