A prominent MAGA-aligned candidate in Wisconsin is facing serious questions after an investigation revealed his personal X.com account follows a significant number of transgender pornography actors. The discovery has sent shockwaves through local conservative circles, highlighting a stark contrast between his public persona and private online activity.
A Rising Star's Hidden Feed
Tony Wied, a Republican vying for a seat in Wisconsin's 3rd Senate District, has built his campaign on traditional family values and conservative principles. However, an analysis of his social media profile, under the handle @RealTonyWied, shows he follows at least 25 performers known for explicit adult content.
The list includes well-known figures in the genre, such as August Reign, Venezuelan Heat, and Transformation—accounts that primarily share promotional pornographic material. This activity appears to contradict the values platform Wied promotes on the campaign trail.
Campaign Rhetoric vs. Online Reality
Wied's political messaging has been fiercely critical of what he terms the "woke agenda," often speaking against the inclusion of LGBTQ+ content in schools and public life. His campaign materials pledge to "protect our kids" and uphold conservative moral standards, making the uncovered online behaviour particularly damaging.
When confronted by reporters, Wied offered a brief and vague explanation. He stated he follows a wide range of accounts to "monitor the enemy," a defence that has been met with scepticism by both political opponents and commentators.
A Pattern of Far-Right Links
Further scrutiny of Wied's online associations reveals connections to other controversial figures. His account follows far-right activists, including a Proud Boys member from Wisconsin who is currently facing legal action. This network of associations paints a complex picture of the candidate's political allegiances.
The scandal emerges just as Wied attempts to unseat the incumbent Democrat, Senator Brad Pfaff, in a district that is considered a key battleground. Political analysts suggest this revelation could alienate his conservative base and undermine his credibility with voters.
This incident raises broader questions about the online conduct of political figures and the increasing difficulty of maintaining a clear boundary between public stance and private digital life. As the election approaches, voters in Wisconsin's 3rd District are left to weigh a candidate's policy promises against their personal actions.
