Potential candidates share interest in running following Rep. Gallagher’s announcement

GREEN BAY, Wis. (WBAY) – The race for Wisconsin’s 8th congressional seat is likely to draw more attention this fall, with Rep. Mike Gallagher’s decision not to seek a fifth term in office. As we reported Saturday, at least one candidate has already announced his bid.

Former State Sen. Roger Roth of Appleton, said he will be on the ballot, making his second bid for congress. In 2010, Roth lost to Reid Ribble in the Republican primary.

State Senator Andre Jacque is considering a run but says he’s not sure when he will make a final decision. Another possibility is Alex Bruesewitz, who is a Trump-aligned GOP consultant. He posted on X, that he is now taking “a very strong look” at running. Bruesewitz is living in Florida but has ties to Northeast Wisconsin.

The district leans Republican, and hasn’t elected a Democrat for the house seat, since Steve Kagan lost his re-election bid in 2010. The party failed to have a candidate on the ballot in 2022. This time around, a handful of Democrats have said they’re considering a run.

On Saturday, state Democrats put out a statement saying, they “look forward to competing in the 8th and bringing some stability and competence back to the house.”

Right now, it’s estimated Republicans have a 16-point edge, among voters in this district.

“I mean a seat like this doesn’t come open very often, right?” said David Helpap, a Political Science Professor at UW-Green Bay. “If you are someone who is in the state legislature or someone involved in politics at the state level, you may see this as an opportunity, and it is a good one.”

To be on the ballot, Congressional candidates have until June 1 to file the paperwork, with the primary set for Aug. 13.

Source: Potential candidates share interest in running following Rep. Gallagher’s announcement