Republican Kevin Nicholson, a business consultant whose campaign for governor in battleground Wisconsin failed to catch on with conservative voters, is dropping out of the race five weeks before the Aug. 9 primary.
Nicholson announced the decision in a statement Tuesday.
He decided to run for governor after Republican U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson decided to seek a third term.
Nicholson has consistently trailed in the polls behind former Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch and construction business co-owner Tim Michels.
The Republican primary winner will advance to face Democratic Gov. Tony Evers in a race that’s a national priority for both parties.