Kyle Frenette has been managing Justin Vernon and his band Bon Iver since 2007, but earlier this year, he announced a new career path: politics.
In February, Frenette announced his bid for the Democratic nomination for Wisconsin’s 7th Congressional District. With a campaign focus on raising the minimum wage, universal healthcare, and expanding public broadband internet, Frenette hoped to replace Republican Sean Duffy, who had been in the position since 2011.
In a new public statement, however, Frenette has announced that he will be withdrawing his candidacy.
He explains, "Unfortunately, it is not my time. It is with a heavy heart I must withdraw my candidacy for Congress. Due to unforeseen circumstances in my life, I will not be able to continue giving this campaign and the people of the 7th district the time and attention they deserve."
During an interview with Billboard in March, Frenette said the goal of the campaign was "to give back even more than Justin and I have given back to the place that raised us." On the similarities between artist management and the campaign trail, he added, "You'd be incredibly surprised how similar setting up a political campaign is to an album campaign."