Tom Tiffany

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Tom Tiffany
Official portrait, 2020
Tom Tiffany
BornThomas P. Tiffany
30 12, 1957
BirthplaceWabasha, Minnesota, U.S.
NationalityAmerican
OccupationBusinessman, politician
Known forU.S. Representative for Wisconsin's 7th congressional district
EducationUniversity of Wisconsin–River Falls (BS)
Spouse(s)Christine Sully
Children3
Website[https://tiffany.house.gov/ Official site]

Thomas P. Tiffany (born December 30, 1957) is an American businessman and politician who has served as the U.S. representative for Wisconsin's 7th congressional district since winning a special election on May 12, 2020.[1] A member of the Republican Party, Tiffany previously served in the Wisconsin State Senate representing the 12th district from 2013 to 2020 and in the Wisconsin State Assembly representing the 35th district from 2011 to 2013.[2] Before entering politics, he worked in the oil and gas exploration industry and later operated a river cruising business in Wisconsin. In the U.S. House, Tiffany has represented a large, predominantly rural district spanning much of northern and central Wisconsin. He succeeded Sean Duffy, who resigned from the seat in September 2019. In September 2025, Tiffany announced his candidacy for Governor of Wisconsin in the 2026 election, and he received the endorsement of President Donald Trump in January 2026.[3]

Early Life

Thomas P. Tiffany was born on December 30, 1957, in Wabasha, a small city in southeastern Minnesota situated along the Mississippi River.[4] He grew up in the region and later relocated to Wisconsin, where he would build both his professional career and political life.

According to his campaign biography, Tiffany worked in the oil and gas exploration industry before settling in northern Wisconsin.[5] He subsequently became involved in the tourism and river cruise business, operating in the state's Northwoods region. This background in both the energy sector and small business ownership would later inform his policy positions on economic development, natural resources, and regulatory matters during his time in the Wisconsin legislature and the U.S. Congress.

Tiffany and his wife, Christine Sully, settled in the Minocqua area in Oneida County, in the heart of Wisconsin's Northwoods. The couple raised three children there.[2] The Northwoods region, known for its lakes, forests, and tourism-driven economy, became the base from which Tiffany launched his political career. His long residency in the area and involvement in local business gave him deep ties to the communities he would go on to represent in both the state legislature and Congress.

Education

Tiffany attended the University of Wisconsin–River Falls, a public university in the University of Wisconsin System located in River Falls, Wisconsin. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the institution.[5][4] The University of Wisconsin–River Falls is known for its programs in agriculture, education, and the sciences. Tiffany's educational background preceded his career in the oil and gas industry and his eventual move into business and politics in northern Wisconsin.

Career

Early Business Career

Before entering public life, Tiffany worked in the oil and gas exploration industry, gaining experience in the energy sector.[5] He later transitioned to operating a river cruising business in Wisconsin, establishing himself as a small business owner in the tourism-dependent Northwoods region of the state. These professional experiences shaped his focus on economic issues, natural resources policy, and the concerns of rural communities and small business operators, themes that would become central to his political career.

Wisconsin State Assembly (2011–2013)

Tiffany's first successful bid for elected office came in 2010, when he ran for the Wisconsin State Assembly seat representing the 35th district in northeastern Wisconsin. He won the general election that November, succeeding Republican Donald Friske.[6] Tiffany took office on January 3, 2011, and served one term in the Assembly.

During his time in the Assembly, Tiffany represented a largely rural district encompassing parts of northern Wisconsin. He focused on issues related to natural resources, forestry, mining, and economic development in the region. His tenure in the Assembly coincided with a period of significant political activity in Wisconsin, including the passage of Act 10, Governor Scott Walker's legislation that curtailed collective bargaining rights for most public employees, and the subsequent recall elections that roiled Wisconsin politics throughout 2011 and 2012.

Wisconsin State Senate (2013–2020)

In 2012, Tiffany ran for the Wisconsin State Senate seat representing the 12th district, which covers a large swath of northeastern Wisconsin. He won the election in November 2012, succeeding Democrat Jim Holperin.[7][8] He was succeeded in the 35th Assembly district by Mary Felzkowski.

Tiffany served in the Wisconsin State Senate from January 7, 2013, through May 18, 2020, when he resigned to take his seat in the U.S. House of Representatives.[9] During his seven years in the Senate, he represented the 12th district, one of the largest geographic districts in the state, spanning multiple counties across northern Wisconsin.

In the Senate, Tiffany served on committees related to natural resources, sporting heritage, mining, and rural issues. He was involved in debates over mining legislation in Wisconsin, particularly proposals to facilitate iron ore mining in the state's northern regions. He also engaged in policy discussions related to forestry management, hunting and fishing regulations, and economic development strategies for rural parts of the state.

Tiffany developed a reputation in the legislature as a conservative voice on fiscal and regulatory issues. He advocated for reduced government regulation and supported measures aimed at promoting economic growth in rural Wisconsin communities. His legislative work frequently intersected with natural resources policy, reflecting the economic and environmental realities of the district he represented.

U.S. House of Representatives (2020–present)

Special Election

In September 2019, U.S. Representative Sean Duffy announced his resignation from Wisconsin's 7th congressional district, effective September 23, 2019. Governor Tony Evers called a special election to fill the vacancy. Tiffany entered the race as a Republican candidate.

In the special primary election held on February 18, 2020, Tiffany advanced as the Republican nominee, while Tricia Zunker, a Ho-Chunk Nation Supreme Court justice and Wausau School Board president, won the Democratic primary.[10][11]

The special general election was held on May 12, 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Tiffany won the election, defeating Zunker to claim the seat.[1] He was sworn into office on May 19, 2020, and simultaneously resigned his Wisconsin State Senate seat. He was succeeded in the 12th Senate district by Mary Felzkowski.[2]

Tenure in Congress

In Congress, Tiffany has represented Wisconsin's 7th congressional district, which encompasses a vast stretch of northern and central Wisconsin. The district includes cities and towns such as Wausau, Marshfield, Stevens Point, Superior, and Rhinelander, along with extensive rural and forested areas. It is one of the largest congressional districts east of the Mississippi River by geographic area.[12]

Tiffany has aligned with the conservative wing of the House Republican caucus. His legislative focus has included issues related to natural resources, forestry, agriculture, trade policy, and immigration. Representing a district with significant forestry and agricultural industries, he has been involved in policy discussions concerning timber management, farm policy, and rural broadband access.

One issue that has drawn attention during Tiffany's congressional tenure involves a longstanding road access dispute between the town of Lac du Flambeau and the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians. Tiffany has called for the tribe to repay the town in connection with road access payments, a position that received support from U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi in February 2026. The Lac du Flambeau tribe has maintained that the road access payments were lawful and criticized Tiffany's involvement in the matter.[13]

Tiffany has supported tariff policies advocated by President Donald Trump. Wisconsin Democrats have criticized Tiffany and other Republican members of the state's congressional delegation for supporting tariff measures that Democrats argued would increase costs for Wisconsin consumers and businesses.[14]

In January 2026, Tiffany commented on a shooting incident in Minneapolis involving federal immigration agents, in which a man was killed. Tiffany described the event as "tragic" and blamed Democrats for the circumstances leading to it, a characterization that drew criticism from political opponents.[15]

As a member of Congress, Tiffany's office has also engaged in constituent services and cultural programming. In February 2026, his district office announced the 2026 Congressional Art Competition, inviting submissions from students in the 7th district.[16]

Federal Election Commission Records

Tiffany's federal candidacy records are maintained by the Federal Election Commission under candidate ID H0WI07101.[17]

2026 Gubernatorial Campaign

In September 2025, Tiffany announced his candidacy for Governor of Wisconsin in the 2026 election, seeking to challenge incumbent Democratic Governor Tony Evers or his successor. The announcement signaled Tiffany's intent to leave the U.S. House and pursue statewide office.[3]

On January 27, 2026, President Donald Trump endorsed Tiffany in the Republican gubernatorial primary, providing a significant boost to his campaign. Trump's endorsement was seen as an important development in the race, given Trump's influence within the Republican Party and his strong performance in Wisconsin in previous elections.[3]

The campaign has received grassroots support from conservative organizations. In February 2026, Americans for Prosperity–Wisconsin reported that volunteers had turned out in significant numbers to conduct door-knocking efforts in support of Tiffany's gubernatorial bid.[18]

Tiffany's decision to run for governor left his 7th congressional district seat open. As of February 2026, eight candidates had filed to run for the seat. Reports indicated that four of the eight candidates had recently lived outside the district or outside the state of Wisconsin, raising questions about their ties to the district.[19]

During the gubernatorial campaign, Tiffany has emphasized themes consistent with his congressional record, including support for Trump administration policies on immigration and trade. His comments on the Minneapolis immigration enforcement shooting and his support for tariff policies have placed him within the mainstream of Trump-aligned Republican politics in Wisconsin.[15][14]

Personal Life

Tom Tiffany resides in the Minocqua area in Oneida County, Wisconsin, in the Northwoods region of the state. He is married to Christine Sully, and the couple have three children.[5][2]

Before his political career, Tiffany was involved in the oil and gas exploration industry and later operated a river cruising business in Wisconsin.[5] His residence in the Northwoods, a region characterized by its lakes, forests, and tourism economy, has been central to both his personal and professional life. The area's dependence on natural resources, outdoor recreation, and seasonal tourism has influenced his policy focus throughout his political career.

Recognition

Tiffany's endorsement by President Donald Trump in January 2026 for the Wisconsin gubernatorial race was among the most prominent public recognitions of his political career, signaling his standing within the national Republican Party.[3] The endorsement from Americans for Prosperity–Wisconsin, which mobilized volunteers on behalf of his gubernatorial campaign, further reflected his support among conservative advocacy organizations.[18]

In Congress, Tiffany has maintained standard constituent engagement activities, including the annual Congressional Art Competition, which recognizes artistic talent among students in Wisconsin's 7th congressional district.[16]

His election to Congress in the May 2020 special election drew national attention, as it was one of the first major elections conducted during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. The race was closely watched as a barometer of voter sentiment and election administration challenges during the public health crisis.[1]

Electoral History

Tiffany first ran for elected office in the 2010 Wisconsin State Assembly race for the 35th district, winning the general election.[6] He was elected to the Wisconsin State Senate in November 2012, representing the 12th district.[7] He won the special election for Wisconsin's 7th congressional district on May 12, 2020, defeating Democrat Tricia Zunker.[1] He subsequently won reelection to the congressional seat in the November 2020 and subsequent general elections.[12]

Wisconsin election records document earlier races in the state as well, including primary and general election results from 2004, 2008, and 2010 election cycles in which Tiffany may have been involved in some capacity.[20][21][22]

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 "Wisconsin 7th Congressional District election: Tom Tiffany wins".Wausau Daily Herald.2020-05-12.https://www.wausaudailyherald.com/story/news/2020/05/12/wisconsin-7th-congressional-district-election-tom-tiffany-wins/3090312001/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 "2019–2020 Wisconsin Blue Book".Wisconsin Legislature.https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/misc/lrb/blue_book/2019_2020.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 "President Trump endorses Tom Tiffany for Wisconsin governor".Wisconsin Public Radio.2026-01-27.https://www.wpr.org/news/trump-tom-tiffany-gop-primary-governor-wisconsin-2026.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 "TIFFANY, Thomas P.".Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.http://bioguide.congress.gov/scripts/biodisplay.pl?index=T000165.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 "Biography".Tom Tiffany for Assembly.https://web.archive.org/web/20100807102243/http://www.tomtiffanyforassembly.com/biography.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 "2010 Fall General Election Results Summary".Wisconsin Elections Commission.https://elections.wi.gov/sites/elections.wi.gov/files/2010%20Fall%20General%20Election%20Results%20Summary.pdf.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 "2012 General Election Results".Wisconsin Elections Commission.https://elections.wi.gov/sites/elections.wi.gov/files/Amended%20Percentage%20Results-11.6.12%20President.pdf.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  8. ↑ "Republicans take state senate".The Badger Herald.2012-11-07.http://badgerherald.com/news/2012/11/07/republicans_take_sta.php.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  9. ↑ "Senator Tiffany, Tom".Wisconsin Legislature.https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2019/legislators/senate/1922.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  10. ↑ "Tricia Zunker and Tom Tiffany advance to May special election for 7th Congressional District".Wausau Daily Herald.2020-02-18.https://www.wausaudailyherald.com/story/news/2020/02/18/tricia-zunker-and-tom-tiffany-advance-may-special-election-7th-congressional-district/4759598002/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  11. ↑ "Canvass Results, Spring Primary, February 18, 2020".Wisconsin Elections Commission.https://elections.wi.gov/sites/elections.wi.gov/files/Canvass%20Results_spring%20primary_2_18_20_0.pdf.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 "Tom Tiffany".Ballotpedia.https://ballotpedia.org/Tom_Tiffany.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  13. ↑ "Bondi Backs Tiffany's Call to Make Tribe Repay Town in Northwoods Tiff".Urban Milwaukee.2026-02-23.https://urbanmilwaukee.com/2026/02/23/bondi-backs-tiffanys-call-to-make-tribe-repay-town-in-northwoods-tiff/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 "WisDems: GOP gubernatorial candidate Tom Tiffany and WI-03 Congressman Derrick Van Orden support more tariff taxes".WisPolitics.2026-02-23.https://www.wispolitics.com/2026/wisdems-gop-gubernatorial-candidate-tom-tiffany-and-wi-03-congressman-derrick-van-orden-support-more-tariff-taxes/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 "US Rep. Tom Tiffany, GOP candidate for governor, blames Democrats for Minnesota shooting".Wisconsin Public Radio.2026-01-28.https://www.wpr.org/news/tiffany-wisconsin-gop-congressman-governor-ice-minnesota.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 "Tiffany Announces 2026 Congressional Art Competition".Office of Congressman Tom Tiffany.2026-02-10.http://tiffany.house.gov/media/press-releases/tiffany-announces-2026-congressional-art-competition.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  17. ↑ "Candidate: TIFFANY, TOM".Federal Election Commission.https://www.fec.gov/data/candidate/H0WI07101.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 "Americans for Prosperity-Wisconsin: Volunteers turn out in force to door knock in support of Tom Tiffany".WisPolitics.2026-02-23.https://www.wispolitics.com/2026/americans-for-prosperity-wisconsin-volunteers-turn-out-in-force-to-door-knock-in-support-of-tom-tiffany/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  19. ↑ "Four Candidates for Tiffany's House Seat Lived Outside District or State".Urban Milwaukee.2026-02-24.https://urbanmilwaukee.com/2026/02/24/four-candidates-for-tiffanys-house-seat-lived-outside-district-or-state/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  20. ↑ "2004 Partisan Primary – Summary".Wisconsin Elections Commission.https://elections.wi.gov/sites/elections.wi.gov/files/2004%20Partisan%20Primary%20-%20Summary.pdf.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  21. ↑ "2004 Fall Election Results Summary".Wisconsin Elections Commission.https://elections.wi.gov/sites/elections.wi.gov/files/2004_FallElection_Results_Summary.pdf.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  22. ↑ "2008 Fall Election – State Senator County Returns".Wisconsin Elections Commission.https://elections.wi.gov/sites/elections.wi.gov/files/2008_FallElection_StateSenator_CountyReturns.pdf.Retrieved 2026-02-24.

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