Wisconsin Brewery Owner Eyes Gubernatorial Run Amid Controversy
Kirk Bangstad, a Wisconsin brewery owner who stirred controversy with social media posts that seemed to suggest offering free beer for the assassination of former President Donald Trump, is now looking for the 2,000 signatures necessary to kick off his campaign for governor. He has warned party leaders that if they try to silence him, he might just end up winning the primary.
“If they don’t let me speak, I will win the primary. I guarantee you that,” Bangstad expressed during an interview with WISN 12 News, especially regarding his anticipated speech at the upcoming state Democratic convention.
Bangstad owns Minocqua Brewing Company (MBC) and has ramped up his campaign following national attention garnered from his brewery’s Facebook posts related to the alleged assassination attempt on Trump at a recent White House Correspondents’ Association dinner.
The April 12 Facebook post humorously declared, “Whether a brother or sister in the Resistance needs to hone their marksmanship or whether they faked another assassination to get a positive news cycle. We’ll never know. Either way, we’re ready to pour free beer on the day it happens.”
Despite the outrage that followed, including a visit from both the U.S. Secret Service and the FBI, Bangstad insists that the post was merely satire and was misinterpreted. “It was taken out of context to create a media frenzy,” he argued, acknowledging that such attention has actually helped him gain traction in his gubernatorial ambitions.
Bangstad admitted that his visibility has spiked thanks to the controversy, claiming substantial social media followings—250,000 on Facebook and another 170,000 on Substack. “I’m becoming quite well known in Wisconsin,” he concluded, asserting that he holds more name recognition among Democrats than almost any other candidate, aside from Mandela Barnes.
Whether he will actually attend the Democratic convention remains uncertain, but Bangstad has made it clear that if barred from speaking, he plans to hold an impromptu address outside the venue. “If they restrict my speech, they’ll do significant damage to their reputation and that of other candidates,” he cautioned.
He’s racing against time, as he aims to gather the required signatures before the June 1 deadline. It’s a daunting task—especially given that he admits to joining the race rather late. But he’s adamant about reshaping the Democratic Party’s direction, advocating for a stance that resists corporate influence.
The primary is set for August 11, and while Bangstad claims to have raised considerable funds already, he shies away from naming specifics. He believes his social media reach translates to proper campaign fundraising potential.
Critics have been vocal; the Wisconsin Republican Party views his posts as emblematic of a broader issue with violent rhetoric on the left. “Attempted murder is funny to them,” noted one RNC spokeswoman, demanding immediate condemnation from other Democratic candidates with connections to Bangstad.
Amid all this, Bangstad’s controversial stance has not only drawn scrutiny from political circles but also interpersonal backlash within his own party. Some figures have called for more accountability—demanding that fellow Democrats directly address and denounce his remarks.
As Bangstad navigates this tumultuous landscape, he remains focused on his goal of revitalizing progressive politics in Wisconsin. “I think we can make it all the way to Wisconsin,” he said, hinting at his aspirations for the governor’s office.
