Local politicians waited no time to hop into the race to replace U.S. Rep. Mike Gallagher in Congress. The four-term Green Bay Republican announced on Saturday that he would not be seeking re-election, opting for more time with his family instead of a fifth term representing Wisconsin’s Eighth District. Shortly after Gallagher made his intentions, former State Senator Roger Roth announced he would enter the race. Roth left the Wisconsin State Senate to run for Lt. Governor alongside gubernatorial candidate Tim Michels in 2022. The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reports two other Republicans mulling bids after Gallagher’s exit. Republican political consultant Alex Bruesewitz had been mulling a primary bid ahead of Gallagher’s exit but tweeted over the weekend that he is “taking a very strong look” at the opportunity. State Senator Andre Jacque, who represents Door and Kewaunee counties, also told the Journal-Sentinel that he is considering his own challenge. No Democrats were firmly running for the seat before Gallagher’s announcement. However, former journalist Kelly Peterson, Navy veteran Alicia Saunders, and women’s health Dr. Kristin Lyerly all expressed interest in running at an event held last month by Women Win Wisconsin. Candidates for Congress have to file their nomination papers by June 3rd to run for office in time for the August 13th primary.
