Who is Andrew Hitt? What to know about the Wisconsin fake elector interviewed on '60 Minutes'

MADISON – The former chairman of the Republican Party of Wisconsin is in the national spotlight with a new interview set to air on CBS' "60 Minutes" Sunday evening.

In the interview with Anderson Cooper, Andrew Hitt claims he sent Congress paperwork he signed posing as an elector for Donald Trump following the former president's 2020 election loss out of fear for his safety from the candidate's supporters.

Here's what to know about Hitt's background and involvement in the false elector effort.

When was Andrew Hitt the chairman of the Wisconsin Republican Party?

Hitt was elected chairman of the party in April 2019, succeeding Brad Courtney, who had stepped down after eight years in the post.

He left the role in July 2021, declaring that it was time to "pass the baton."

As chairman, Hitt was tasked with rebuilding the party after statewide losses, adjusting to the COVID-19 pandemic's effects on campaigning and navigating the contentious 2020 presidential election.

The chairman of the Republican Party is involved in fundraising, media and traveling the state to public events and meeting with the grassroots.

What was Andrew Hitt's background before he led the Wisconsin Republican Party?

The Appleton attorney was senior counsel at Michael Best & Friedrich and the chief operating officer at Michael Best Strategies when he was elected to serve as RPW chairman.

He had previously served as treasurer, first vice chairman and interim chairman of the party.

In 2015, Republican then-Gov. Scott Walker appointed Hitt to the University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority Board. He was also on the review board for state Supreme Court candidates to replace Justice David Prosser in 2016.

Hitt was an assistant district attorney in the violent crimes unit of the Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office before he became Walker's deputy legal counsel and senior adviser. He also served as a member of Walker's administration at the Department of Health Services and Department of Administration.

What does Andrew Hitt do now?

Since his time leading the state GOP, Hitt has continued practicing law. He is a partner with Michael Best Strategies and senior counsel with Michael Best & Friedrich.

He is a member of the firm’s government and regulatory law team, focusing on state government and health care law.

What was discussed in Andew Hitt's '60 Minutes' interview with Anderson Cooper?

Hitt offered an explanation for his participation in a scheme designed by Trump and his allies to stay in power after losing reelection.

In a clip provided to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel by "60 Minutes," Hitt says he was scared of what Trump supporters would do to him or his family if he did not sign the paperwork and courts later overturned President Joe Biden's victory in Wisconsin.

"... If I didn't do that, and the court did throw out those votes, it would have been solely my fault that Trump wouldn't have won Wisconsin," Hitt told "60 Minutes" correspondent Anderson Cooper. "Can you imagine the repercussions on myself, my family if it was me, Andrew Hitt, who prevented Donald Trump from winning Wisconsin?"

Democratic President Joe Biden beat Trump by about 21,000 votes in Wisconsin. Trump sought recounts in Dane and Milwaukee counties, which confirmed Biden's win. Trump sued and the state Supreme Court upheld the results on a 4-3 vote on Dec. 14, 2020.

Where do investigations into the Wisconsin fake electors stand now?

Hitt and the other false electors recently settled a civil lawsuit filed by Biden's real 2020 electors. As part of the settlement, the 10 Republicans acknowledged their actions were part of an attempt to overturn an election and agreed not to serve as electors for Trump in the future or participate in the transmission of such documents again, among other terms.

Trump has been indicted over his actions leading up to the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection — charges that focus heavily on the fake elector strategy.

In Wisconsin, Attorney General Josh Kaul is reportedly investigating the fake Trump elector scheme but Kaul has not discussed the alleged probe nor confirmed its existence.

CNN reported in December that Kenneth Chesebro, a Wisconsin native and former campaign attorney for Trump, was helping investigators in at least four states, including Wisconsin, who are probing the scheme to overturn the 2020 election.

Is Andrew Hitt still backing Donald Trump?

Hitt has said he believes the group of Republicans were tricked by the Trump campaign to participate in the elector scheme and has pledged not to vote for Trump in 2024.

Asked on WISN-TV'S "Upfront" in December whether he would participate in the elector scheme again, Hitt said, "It's such a hard question to answer. If I knew what I know now, no. Absolutely not."

Jessie Opoien can be reached at jessie.opoien@jrn.com.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Who is Andrew Hitt, the Wisconsin fake elector on '60 Minutes'?