Who's running in Wisconsin's 5th congressional district
2 candidates are on the ballot. Below is what each one says they stand for, what they have actually done in office or in public life, and the arguments published for and against them — each quoted from a named source rather than summarised by us.
2 candidates · ballot order · Scott Fitzgerald currently holds this seat
Medium confidenceMedium confidenceThe candidate's stated positions and basic record are documented, but coverage is thin — often little independent reporting, or criticism from only one side.What would raise it: More independent reporting, a documented voting record, or published criticism from a named opponent would raise this.
What they say they stand for
Their own words. Claims, not verified facts.
Protecting democracy and fair elections, which he calls the single most important issue.
Lowering prescription drug costs and expanding affordable health care.
Nationwide protection for reproductive rights.
Protecting Social Security with annual cost-of-living increases and raising or eliminating the Social Security tax ceiling.
'Quick Start Careers', low-cost or free technical training for high school graduates, and an 'Afford to Grow' plan for lower-cost housing.
What they’ve actually done
Documented record from official sources.
Former MRI technologist and GE Healthcare product development leader; MBA from Cardinal Stritch University.
Ran as a write-in candidate for this seat in 2024 after failing to gather enough signatures to appear on the ballot.
Unopposed in the August 11, 2026 Democratic primary.
Endorsed by former 6th District Democratic candidate Amanda Bell.
Has not held elected office.
Arguments in favor
'I'm not a career politician' — he spent his career in health care and business 'solving problems, creating jobs, and serving people', and will bring common-sense leadership focused on lowering costs and protecting health care.
— Andy Beck, WUWM candidate questionnaire
Congress lacks compromise, and his sales background means he can 'communicate and find compromises and get things done' with members of both parties.
— Andy Beck, to the West Bend Daily News
Arguments against
His 2024 bid for the seat failed to make the ballot because he did not gather enough valid signatures, leaving him to run as a write-in.
— West Bend Daily News reporting
What we couldn’t verify
No criticism of Beck by Fitzgerald's campaign, the NRCC or Republican groups could be found.
His fundraising totals were not found in the sources read.
Whether he and Fitzgerald will debate had not been reported.
Working with President Trump to secure the border and stop illegal immigration and the drug trade.
Ending what his campaign calls D.C.'s reckless spending and reining in federal bureaucracy.
Opposing abortion and defending the Second Amendment.
Supporting law enforcement and veterans.
Fighting 'the radical liberals pushing socialism'.
What they’ve actually done
Documented record from official sources.
US Representative for Wisconsin's 5th District since January 2021; member of the House Financial Services and Judiciary committees.
Wisconsin State Senate, 1995–2021, including as majority leader; led passage of Act 10 and voter ID.
US Army Reserve, 1981–2009, retiring as a lieutenant colonel.
In January 2021 objected to counting Arizona's and Pennsylvania's electoral votes.
Won 64.4% in 2024; unopposed in the August 11, 2026 Republican primary.
Arguments in favor
In the state Senate he led the fight for Act 10, voter ID, balanced budgets and billions in tax cuts and property tax relief, and in Congress he is working to protect taxpayers and lower costs for seniors and working families.
— Scott Fitzgerald for Congress campaign site
Arguments against
The district needs to 'replace career politician Scott Fitzgerald with a moderate voice who will deliver real solutions and put people before politics.'
— Andy Beck, Democratic opponent, campaign site
As one of his first acts in Congress he joined more than 100 House Republicans in objecting to counting Arizona's and Pennsylvania's 2020 electoral votes.
— WUWM reporting
What we couldn’t verify
Fitzgerald did not answer WUWM's 2026 candidate questionnaire.
No DCCC material naming Fitzgerald in 2026 could be found.
Whether he will debate Beck had not been reported.
Positions and criticism are quoted from the named sources, not our assessments. This is built to help you start getting informed — confirm the official candidate list with your election authority before you vote.
Two candidates are on the ballot: Republican incumbent Scott Fitzgerald and Democrat Andrew "Andy" Beck. Both were unopposed in the August 11, 2026 partisan primary; Ben Steinhoff, the 2024 Democratic nominee, did not file. No independent or third-party candidate qualified in the Wisconsin Elections Commission's June 2026 ballot-access review. The district covers Milwaukee's northern and western suburbs, including most of Waukesha County, all of Washington and Jefferson counties, and part of Dodge County — among them Waukesha, West Bend, Brookfield and Mequon. It has long been a Republican stronghold; Fitzgerald won 64.4% in 2024. Candidates are listed Democrat first, following Wisconsin's rule of ordering parties by their share of the last governor's race; this order is assumed, not confirmed from a sample ballot.
This is one contest on a longer ballot
A Wisconsin ballot also carries state legislative districts, county offices, judicial seats and often local questions — and which of them you vote on is decided by your street address, not your city or ZIP code.
Your ballot is determined by your election authority, not by us. Verify your registration, precinct, and sample ballot at Wisconsin Elections Commission.