Democratic primary for governor narrows as Andy Gronik suspends campaign

Entrepreneur Andy Gronik on June 21 announced he would suspend his campaign for governor.

“This journey has been the greatest of my life,” Gronik said in a news release. "I’ve had the amazing privilege of meeting with and listening to people from all walks of life and all political persuasions — Democrats, Republicans and people who could care less about — from all across our beautiful state. It is these people’s stories and struggles that inspired me to enter this race and bring people together to create a Wisconsin That Works for everyone.”

The release cited the June 20 poll from the Marquette Law School, which showed Gronik trailing Tony Evers by a wide margin and clustered with other Democrats in what was a 10-person race.

Gronik said he experienced an outpouring of support — which included an early endorsement from the Wisconsin Gazette — but could not break away in the crowded field of candidates for Scott Walker's job.

“It’s time for me to step down and give someone a legitimate chance to win in November,” Gronik said. “There are lots of people sitting on the bench, confused by the large field of candidates and waiting to see what happens in the primary. I don’t think that’s a winning strategy! This is a time for decisive action, so I am strongly encouraging people to coalesce around the Democratic candidate they believe will beat Scott Walker. Let’s not forget that’s the objective. I will be endorsing a candidate soon and will work hard to see the winner of the primary victorious in November.”

He thanked his wife and children for their support, saying, "I’ve been largely absent from their lives over the past 2 1/2 years, working tirelessly to find real solutions to the social issues dividing our state. Every conversation I’ve had during this period has been my honor."

Democratic Party of Wisconsin chair Martha Laning thanked Gronik for "running a good race and for always believing in a better future for Wisconsin."

She said in a statement, "The race for governor has always been about beating Scott Walker, and we’re thrilled that Andy and his supporters will be there beside us as we continue that fight. Democrats remain focused on the future of better schools, fixing our roads, and providing clean and ethical government, and I’m proud to have Andy continue that drive in a different way."