Tony Wied, a businessman and self-described ‘political outsider,’ has won the Republican primary for Wisconsin’s 8th Congressional District. Wied, who was endorsed by former President Donald Trump, will now face the Democratic candidate in the November general election.
The seat became vacant in April when Rep. Mike Gallagher, who had represented the district since 2017, resigned. Gallagher’s departure triggered a special election to fill the vacancy.
Wied’s victory came amidst a crowded field of candidates, including former state Sen. Roger Roth, who holds the rank of Captain in the Wisconsin Air National Guard, and State Sen. Andre Jacque, who currently represents Wisconsin’s 1st district in the state senate.
Roth, a self-described ‘Trump conservative,’ also ran for the seat. Jacque, meanwhile, was endorsed by Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, ahead of the primary.
Trump’s endorsement of Wied played a significant role in the race. In his endorsement, Trump highlighted Wied’s commitment to issues such as energy independence, inflation, border security, military support, and the Second Amendment.
“As your next Congressman, Tony will work hard to Unleash American Energy, Stop Inflation, Secure our Border, Support our Military / Vets, and Protect our always under siege Second Amendment. Tony Wied has my Complete and Total Endorsement – He will not let you down!” Trump said in his endorsement.
Wied’s victory marks a significant win for Trump in a state that he won in both 2016 and 2020. The outcome of the general election in November will determine whether a Republican or a Democrat will represent Wisconsin’s 8th Congressional District in the House of Representatives.
