Staff Reports
Wisconsin election officials are trying to make things clearer for voters who will have the opportunity to cast a ballot for both a special election and a regular election. The vacancy in the 8th Congressional District in Wisconsin arose after former Rep. Mike Gallagher abruptly resigned from Congress. Due to Wisconsin law, if Gallagher had resigned earlier, a special election could have been held sooner. However, since he stepped down after April 9, the special election had to be scheduled for the same day as the primary on Aug. 13, as well as the general election in November.
The 8th District, including northeastern Wisconsin and cities like Green Bay and Appleton, will elect someone to take Gallagher’s place until January 3, as well as cast a vote for someone to serve the two-year term in the House after January 3. The Wisconsin Elections Commission recognized the potential for confusion and voted to include information about the length of time served in both elections. They will also provide an explanatory sheet to clarify why the same congressional seat appears on the ballot twice.
The special election and the election for the two-year term will both happen on Nov. 5, the day of the general election. This will allow the 8th District to have representation in the House for about two months. Several candidates are running for the solidly Republican district, including former gas station owner Tony Wied, state Sen. André Jacque, and former state Sen. Roger Roth. On the Democratic side, Kristin Lyerly is the only declared candidate. Notably, former President Donald Trump has endorsed Wied in the race.
Wisconsin election officials are taking steps to reduce confusion among voters in the 8th Congressional District. With candidates on the ballot for both a special election and a regular election, the Wisconsin Elections Commission is working to provide clear information to ensure that voters are well informed as they make their choices.
