The parents of a conservative, Republican senate hopeful have given the maximum donation possible to his Democratic opponent.
Kevin Nicholson, 40, is challenging Wisconsin’s Democratic junior senator Tammy Baldwin in the primary election.
His parents Michael and Donna have pledged their support with Baldwin and each donated $2,700 – the maximum amount a person can donate in the primaries – to her campaign in December.
Kevin, who was a staunch Democrat until he served in the Iraq war, said his parents were of ‘a different world view’.
The couple routinely donate to the Democratic party and have given money to Baldwin in the past.
Their donations this year are their largest to Baldwin, who was the first openly gay Senator when she was voted in in 2012.
Kevin Nicholson’s parents have given the maximum donation they each can to his opponent, Democrat Tammy Baldwin (right) ahead of the August primary election
Kevin, a proud Christian and gun owner who emphatically supports the 2nd amendment, acknowledged the rift on Monday, telling CNN: ‘It is not surprising that they would support a candidate like Tammy Baldwin who shares their perspective.’
His parents did not return requests for comment on Tuesday morning.
Kevin has not revealed whether he and his parents are on good terms despite their affiliation.
For most of his life, he shared their political views and even acted as the president of the College Democrats of America.
He said he changed his views during his tours of Iraq and Afghanistan where her served as a Marine.
‘I’m a conservative today not because I was born one, but because of the experience I earned as a Marine in combat, my experience as a husband and father, my choice to be a Christian, the schools I chose to attend and the decision to pursue the career that I have.
‘Regardless of who may disagree with my life decisions, I would not trade these experiences for anything, and they will always guide my views as Wisconsin’s next U.S. senator,’ Nicholson said.
After returning from the war, Nicholson obtained a business administration degree from Harvard Business School. He said it was both those things which spurred his candidacy.
Nicholson is a Marines veteran and served in Iraq and Afghanistan. He describes himself as a Christian and is a proud gun owner. He is pictured with his wife Jessie and their oldest child
Nicholson (pictured center) said his political views changed when he returned from Iraq and Afghanistan. Until then, he had been a Democrat
Top of his agenda is the nation’s spending and the military. He describes himself as a gun owner and says he is a firm supporter of the 2nd amendment.
By contrast, Baldwin’s focus is on education, healthcare and the local economy in Wisconsin.
She was the first openly gay Senator when she was appointed in 2012 and was the first woman from Wisconsin to serve in the Senate in the country.
Unlike Nicholson, she has spent much of her tenure campaigning for tighter gun laws.
Nicholson is not the only Republican running for the seat.
Leah Vukmir, Griffin Jones and John Siess are also running campaigns.
While Nicholson does not have his parent’s support, he has won hefty endorsement from other Republican mega donors.
Among them is Richard Uihlein who gave $3.5million to a Super PAC to help him further his chances.
Vukmir currently sits on the state senate for its 5th district.
Baldwin was the first openly gay senator when she was elected in 2012. She is pro gun control and campaigns on issues including education and healthcare