Peter Barca, a Democrat with a long history in Wisconsin politics, has announced his bid for Congress in Wisconsin’s 1st Congressional District. Barca previously held this seat in the 1990s and is now challenging Republican incumbent Bryan Steil, who is seeking a fourth term. The 1st District is a key target for Democrats nationally as they aim to regain control of the House, especially after new boundary lines were adopted in 2022 to make it more competitive. Barca’s entry into the race has garnered support from national Democrats, and the primary is scheduled for August 13.
In a statement announcing his campaign, Barca emphasized his track record of advocating for working families and criticized the current Congress as “do-nothing” and “dysfunctional.” The Steil campaign, however, accused Barca of prioritizing his political career over the well-being of Wisconsin families over the past 40 years. They pointed to instances where Barca opposed certain bills and voted in ways that Steil’s campaign considers harmful to Wisconsinites. The barbs exchanged between the two campaigns highlight the contentious nature of this upcoming congressional race in a closely watched district.
Steil, who was elected in 2018 and has since won reelection by substantial margins, is considered a strong incumbent in the 1st District. Barca, on the other hand, has a storied career in Wisconsin politics, having served in Congress, the state Assembly, and as the state Department of Revenue secretary. Particularly noteworthy was Barca’s role as Democratic minority leader during the fight over collective bargaining rights in 2011, where he engaged in a dramatic filibuster in the Assembly. However, his support for controversial initiatives like the Foxconn incentive package led to some criticism within his own party.
The upcoming race between Barca and Steil in Wisconsin’s 1st Congressional District is expected to be closely watched as Democrats seek to make gains in competitive districts like this one. With Barca’s entry into the race, the competition has intensified, with both candidates trading barbs and highlighting their divergent visions for the district. The primary in August will be a crucial milestone in determining the direction of the race, and the outcome could have implications for the balance of power in the House of Representatives. Both candidates will be aiming to rally support from voters in this politically significant district.
