Wisconsin’s 7th Congressional District Race Sees a Shift as Candidate Exits
In a notable development for Wisconsin’s 7th Congressional District, Republican candidate Paul Wassgren has decided to suspend his campaign. This decision narrows the field of contenders in the Republican primary.
Wassgren, a businessman and corporate attorney from Ashland, stated that his withdrawal is meant to bolster Republican efforts across Wisconsin and deepen his involvement with the Catholic Church. He emphasized that his campaign was never about personal gain, saying, “While I have the resources and message to win this race and be a fierce advocate for our district in Congress, I recognize that a bloody and highly expensive primary will only benefit the Democrats.”
Conservatives in Wisconsin faced a significant setback with a 20-point loss in the recent April Supreme Court race, prompting introspection within the GOP. Wassgren expressed his commitment to supporting the Republican cause by aiding U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany’s gubernatorial campaign.
Wassgren had invested over $1 million of his own funds into his campaign, but his latest financial disclosure reveals that he has since repaid most of this amount. Despite highlighting his experience in business and law, Wassgren’s campaign faced challenges, including being linked to a $44 million settlement concerning a lawsuit that accused his company of running a “Ponzi scheme.”
With Wassgren stepping aside, the Republican primary now includes three candidates: Michael Alfonso, Jessi Ebben, and Kevin Hermening. Alfonso, notably the 26-year-old son-in-law of former Congressman and current U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, has secured an endorsement from President Donald Trump.
On the Democratic side, candidates for the 7th District race include former state Rep. Fred Clark, Ginger Murray, and Chris Armstrong.
