MADISON, WI (WTAQ) – A former state representative is urging his supporters Wednesday to unite behind Fond du Lac County District Attorney Eric Toney in the race for Wisconsin attorney general.
Adam Jarchow issued an apparent concession early Wednesday, saying he “came up just short” as the unofficial but nearly complete results showed him trailing Toney by fewer than 4,000 votes, or about 0.6% of the vote.
The winner will face Democratic Attorney General Josh Kaul.
“In a close and highly contested race, we came up just short,” Jarchow tweeted. “It’s time to unite behind @EricJToney and ensure he has the resources and support needed to fire Josh Kaul. Eric Toney has my full support.”
Karen Mueller, who ran as an outsider who wants to decertify the 2020 presidential election results, ran a strong third with nearly 26% of the vote.
The Republican primary for who will challenge Democratic Attorney General Josh Kaul in November might be heading for a recount.
One of the most contested races in the state is still too close to call, as the Republican primary for Attorney General has come down to less than one percentage point. Eric Toney leads Adam Jarchow by around 4,000 votes with several precincts left to report. They both have around 37% of the vote. Karen Mueller is on the outside looking in, she received around 26% of the vote.
If the final difference between Toney and Jarchow is less than 1 percent, or around 6,000 votes, candidates would be allowed to request a recount, per Wisconsin Elections Commission guidelines.
During the campaign, Toney was criticized for running a pro-Trump campaign after allegedly voting for Democratic presidential candidates in 2016 and 2020, claims Toney has denied. Released texts showed Toney saying he wouldn’t vote for “Dumb dumb Donald” in 2020.
Meanwhile, Toney criticized Jarchow for lacking prosecutorial experience, point out that he had never handled a criminal case, and touted his three terms as district attorney. Jarchow responded to those criticisms by focusing on his experience in civil court matters.
