Dr. Kristin Lyerly, an obstetrician and gynecologist who performs abortions, has announced her candidacy for the Democratic nomination in Wisconsin’s 8th Congressional District. She is running to fill the seat left vacant by the retirement of Republican Rep. Mike Gallagher. Lyerly is currently unopposed in the Democratic primary, which will be held on August 13. This district had no Democratic candidate in the 2022 election, making Lyerly the first Democratic candidate to enter the race.
On the Republican side, state Sen. Andre Jacque and former state Sen. Roger Roth are running for the seat, with a third candidate expected to announce their candidacy soon. Republican consultant Alex Bruesewitz, who currently lives in Florida but was born in Wisconsin, plans to move back to Wisconsin to run for the seat. The district is predominantly Republican, with Gallagher winning reelection by comfortable margins in the past. However, Democrats are determined to make the race competitive, despite the historical Republican stronghold in the area.
Lyerly has made abortion rights a central issue in her campaign, stating that she will work to ensure that every woman in the state has access to reproductive care, including safe and legal abortions. She was involved in a lawsuit in Wisconsin that successfully kept abortions legal after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022. Lyerly temporarily moved her practice to Minnesota after the ruling to continue providing abortion services. Wisconsin Right to Life’s executive director criticized Lyerly’s stance on abortion, stating that the state needs elected officials who protect all life.
Gallagher’s retirement has left Republicans with a narrow majority in the House, with only a 217-213 margin. Gallagher, who has served four terms representing northeast Wisconsin, found himself at odds with former President Donald Trump and his supporters. He also faced criticism from fellow Republicans for refusing to support the impeachment of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. The district includes the cities of Appleton and Green Bay, as well as rural areas north through Marinette and Door County.
The 8th Congressional District in Wisconsin has traditionally been Republican-leaning, with Trump winning the district by a significant margin in 2020. However, there is a concerted effort by Democrats to make the race competitive, with Lyerly becoming the first Democratic candidate to run in this election. The outcome of the race will be closely watched as a barometer of political sentiment in this district and the state of Wisconsin as a whole. As the campaign progresses, the candidates will continue to make their case to voters on a range of issues, including abortion rights, healthcare, and other policy priorities.
