What's happened
Bill Berrien, a Wisconsin Republican candidate for governor and former Navy SEAL, has dropped out of the race less than three months after announcing. His departure follows revelations about his past online activity, including following explicit content creators and authors, which drew criticism from both media and political opponents. Berrien cited strategic reasons for ending his campaign, emphasizing his focus on economic issues and reindustrialization of Wisconsin. The race for governor remains open, with Democrats preparing to contest the seat vacated by Tony Evers.
What's behind the headline?
The withdrawal of Bill Berrien highlights the increasing importance of online reputation in political campaigns. Despite his military and business credentials, his social media activity—specifically following explicit content creators and authors—became a liability. This incident underscores how digital footprints, even if unrelated to policy, can derail candidacies in the current political climate.
The timing suggests that the controversy was a decisive factor, with Republican leaders and party strategists likely influencing his exit. Berrien's defense—that his online activity was benign and taken out of context—reflects a broader challenge for candidates navigating social media scrutiny.
The race remains competitive, with Democrats preparing to challenge the open seat. Berrien's exit narrows the Republican field, but the controversy may serve as a cautionary tale about the importance of digital conduct for future candidates. The Wisconsin governor's race will now focus more on policy and leadership qualities, rather than personal online history, but the incident signals how social media can influence political viability.
Overall, this case exemplifies the evolving landscape of political campaigns, where digital reputation can make or break candidacies, regardless of traditional credentials. It also raises questions about the boundaries of online activity and its impact on public trust in political figures.
What the papers say
The Associated Press articles from September 22, 26, and 26, 2025, provide a comprehensive timeline of Berrien's campaign, online activity, and subsequent withdrawal. The reports detail his background, the controversy over his social media following, and the political reactions, illustrating how digital footprints are increasingly scrutinized in modern politics. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's initial reporting on his unfollowing accounts and the subsequent media coverage reveal the media's role in shaping public perception. Contrasting opinions from Republican leaders and Democratic Party spokespersons highlight the partisan dynamics at play, with some emphasizing his policy positions and others focusing on his online conduct. Overall, the coverage underscores the complex interplay between personal online behavior and political viability in the digital age.
How we got here
Berrien entered the Wisconsin governor's race in June, supporting traditional family values and criticizing transgender policies early in his campaign. His background as a Navy SEAL and CEO of Pindel Global Precision positioned him as a conservative outsider. However, his online activity, including following explicit content creators on Medium.com and social media, surfaced in September, leading to questions about his judgment and political viability. The controversy intensified as Republican leaders called for him to withdraw, citing concerns over his support for Nikki Haley and uncertain stance on Trump in 2020. Berrien defended his online activity as reading and emphasized it was not illegal or unethical, but the media and opponents argued it undermined his candidacy.
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