This past week, Governor Evers called for a special election in the 8th Congressional District on the same day as the November General Election. This decision asks that Wisconsin’s 8th Congressional District voters cast their vote twice for the same election. This will undoubtedly create confusion among voters, particularly among Republicans.
This will require the candidates to allocate more resources in time and financially to compete in the upcoming elections.
The special election was triggered by the unexpected early resignation of Congressman Mike Gallagher from the United States Congress in April of 2024. As a result, a special election has been scheduled to fill Mike Gallagher’s vacancy from November through early January.
Three Republicans are currently competing for the seat: current State Senator Andre Jacque from Wisconsin’s First Senate District, former State Senator Roger Roth of Appleton, and Tony Wied, a business owner. Former President Donald Trump has endorsed Mr. Wied. One Democrat, Dr. Kristin Lyerlyhas, has announced candidacy.
Wisconsin’s 8th Congressional District has traditionally favored Republican candidates, with former President Trump winning the district by 16 points in 2020 and Congressman Gallagher seeing victories by 25 points or higher. Congressman Mike Gallagher (Getty)
Wisconsin election officials are taking measures to educate voters in the 8th Congressional District on the unique circumstances in the upcoming Fall Elections.