Democrat Lyerly kicks off campaign for 8th Congressional District

ASHWAUBENON (WLUK) -- Democrat Kristin Lyerly kicked off her campaign for the 8th Congressional District Thursday morning.

Surrounded by her four sons, Lyerly announced her campaign during a news conference at Hinterland Brewery in Ashwaubenon.

"Whether it's fighting for quality affordable healthcare, better education, or a cleaner environment - I will always put our families first," she said.

Lyerly is the latest candidate to announce a run for the seat currently held by Republican Mike Gallagher. Gallagher is not running for re-election and says he will step down later this month.

A Republican stronghold, for nearly 80 years, only three Democrats have represented the 8th District since 1945. Steve Kagen was the latest. He held the seat from 2007-2011.

Lyerly says the statistics don't scare her. "It doesn't look like it's winnable if you just look at the numbers, but if you live in Northeast Wisconsin, you know that it is. Because what's happening here in this district is that the GOP is moving so far to the right that the people don't recognize that party anymore. That MAGA extremism does not represent the people of Northeast Wisconsin. That's our pathway."

Two Republicans, former State Sen. Roger Roth and State Sen. Andre Jacque, have already announced their candidacies.

Upon hearing about Lyerly's candidacy, they both criticized her stance on abortion. Rothargued he's a better fit for Washington.

He said, "At the end of the day, when people vote for somebody to go out to Washington, they want someone that shares their views, shares their experiences. In me, I think they see someone that's from here, that understands Wisconsin and who can therefore go out to Washington and advocate on their behalf."

Similar sentiments, but about himself, is why State Senator Andre Jacque believes he's the best fit for represent the 8th District.

According to Jacque, "I think people know that I'm somebody who is going to work hard for both common sense ideas, as well as conservative values, and that's been proven time and time again. So, I would love to be able to continue that fight for Northeast Wisconsin at the next level."

Alex Bruesewitz, whom Donald Trump complimented at his Green Bay rally on Tuesday, says he will be making an announcement Monday night.

The 8th District covers most of Northeast Wisconsin. It runs from Appleton to the border with Michigan's Upper Peninsula.