Former owner of a dinosaur-themed gas station chain in northeastern Wisconsin, Tony Wied, has announced his run for Congress in the 8th Congressional District, which is predominantly Republican. Wied received an endorsement from former President Donald Trump, who called on another Republican candidate, Roger Roth, to drop out of the race. Wied emphasized his focus on securing the border, controlling spending, and supporting Trump’s agenda in Congress. The primary is scheduled for August 13th, with Wied joining two other Republicans and one Democrat in the race.
Wied, who previously owned the Dino Stop gas stations and convenience stores, sold his chain in 2022. Despite stating that he does not need the job for a living, Wied expressed his intent to run for Congress to serve and make a difference. In alignment with Trump’s endorsement, Wied aims to be an ally to Trump in Congress by working towards securing the border, controlling spending, and supporting the former president’s policies. The endorsement from Trump has given Wied a boost in his campaign as he enters a competitive political race.
Roger Roth, a former state senator from Appleton and another Republican candidate for the 8th Congressional District, has faced pressure from Trump to withdraw from the race. Trump criticized Roth as a “clone of Paul Ryan” and urged him to step aside for Wied. In response, Roth reaffirmed his commitment to Trump and highlighted his service with the Wisconsin Air National Guard. The race has become heated, with Roth and Wied vying for support from conservative voters and endorsements from key figures within the Republican Party.
State Sen. Andre Jacque, of De Pere, is also running as a Republican candidate in the 8th Congressional District, further adding to the competition within the party. Dr. Kristin Lyerly is the sole Democratic candidate in the race, seeking to challenge the Republican dominance in the district. Alex Bruesewitz, a GOP consultant and Trump supporter, had been considering a run but ultimately decided to support Wied’s candidacy. Bruesewitz is among several speakers who have endorsed Wied, further solidifying his position in the race.
Wisconsin’s 8th Congressional District is historically Republican, with Trump winning the district by a significant margin in the 2020 election. However, Democrats have expressed intentions to make the district more competitive, presenting a challenge to the Republican candidates. Despite the district’s Republican lean, Wied and other candidates are gearing up for a tough race, with endorsements and support from key figures playing a crucial role in shaping the campaign. The primary election in August will determine the Republican and Democratic candidates who will compete for the open seat in Congress.
The upcoming election in Wisconsin’s 8th Congressional District has garnered significant attention, especially with the involvement of former President Trump in endorsing candidates. Wied’s entry into the race, backed by Trump’s endorsement, has added to the intensity of the competition among Republican contenders. With the primary approaching, candidates are actively seeking support from voters and influential figures to secure their position as the party’s nominee. The race is expected to be closely watched as Republicans and Democrats vie for control of the open seat in Congress, with each candidate presenting their vision for the future of the district and the country.
