Who's running in Wisconsin's 7th 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.
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.
Enforcing antitrust laws against large corporations in food, manufacturing, entertainment and finance.
Restoring an expanded, refundable Child Tax Credit for families earning under $150,000.
More affordable housing funding and fewer regulations on building.
Affordable health care for everyone and opposing Medicaid cuts.
A Congress that checks the president on tariffs, foreign policy and the environment.
What they’ve actually done
Documented record from official sources.
Wisconsin State Assembly, 2009–2015, representing the Baraboo area.
Owner of Clark Forestry, Inc.; former DNR forestry consultant and Nature Conservancy forest ecologist.
Former executive director and founding board member of Wisconsin's Green Fire.
Won the August 11, 2026 Democratic primary with about 37%.
Arguments in favor
Winning this conservative district requires 'someone strong in their values who can relate to people across the political spectrum' — and as a forester, small business owner and former legislator he is the only candidate of either party with experience as an elected representative.
— Fred Clark, USA TODAY Network-Wisconsin questionnaire via Wausau Pilot & Review
'This election isn't about left and right — it's about right and wrong': it is wrong to make health care more expensive and cut a trillion dollars from Medicaid to pay for tax cuts for billionaires, and 'Tom Tiffany hasn't' said so, while 'Michael Alfonso won't.'
— Fred Clark, primary-night statement reported by Wisconsin Examiner
Arguments against
Republicans are offering 'common sense' and 'simple, hard work' rather than 'radical solutions', 'and the Democrats don't seem to be doing the same.'
— Michael Alfonso, Republican opponent, to WSAW
The district is 'a dark red district strongly supporting Donald Trump in previous elections', leaving the Republican heavily favoured.
— Anthony Chergosky, UW-La Crosse political scientist, to Northern News Now
What we couldn’t verify
No criticism of Clark by name from Alfonso's campaign, the NRCC or the state Republican Party could be found.
His fundraising totals were not found in the sources read.
Lowering costs for health care, housing and groceries by getting 'the government out of the way'.
Values of 'faith, family and freedom'.
What they’ve actually done
Documented record from official sources.
Media producer; Wausau native.
Married to Evita Duffy-Alfonso, daughter of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and Fox News host Rachel Campos-Duffy.
Endorsed by President Trump in January 2026, who called him a 'MAGA Warrior'.
Appeared with Duffy in a reality-style television series about a road trip.
Skipped a Republican primary debate in Phillips.
Won the August 11, 2026 Republican primary with about 49%.
Has not held elected office; would be among the youngest members of Congress.
Arguments in favor
'This district voted for President Trump three times, and very clearly, that's what the voters want in this district' — and he brings a young man's energy with values focused on faith, family and freedom.
— Michael Alfonso, primary-night remarks reported by WPR
Voters want 'cheaper health care, cheaper housing, cheaper food', and Republicans will 'get the government out of the way' because government is creating those problems.
— Michael Alfonso, to WSAW
Arguments against
His candidacy is nepotism — 'the district didn't appreciate nepotism' — and his fundraising made him 'part of the swamp'; primary rivals also questioned his inexperience and recent Florida residency.
— Jessi Ebben and Kevin Hermening, Republican primary opponents, reported by WPR
'Northern Wisconsin deserves a Congressman willing to say' that Medicaid cuts and tax giveaways to billionaires are wrong — 'Michael Alfonso won't.'
— Fred Clark, Democratic opponent, reported by Wisconsin Examiner
What we couldn’t verify
His campaign website and detailed policy positions were not read directly.
How long he has lived in the district after his Florida residency was not detailed in the sources read.
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.
This is an open seat: Republican Rep. Tom Tiffany is running for governor. Wisconsin held its partisan primary on August 11, 2026. Two candidates are on the ballot: Republican Michael Alfonso, who won a crowded primary with about 49% over Kevin Hermening, Jessi Ebben, Niina Baum and Don Raihala; and Democrat Fred Clark, who won a three-way primary with about 37% over Ginger Murray and Chris Armstrong. Republican Paul Wassgren withdrew before the primary. Jessi Ebben challenged the nomination papers of Alfonso, Hermening and Clark, and the Wisconsin Elections Commission kept all three on the primary ballot. No independent or third-party candidate qualified. The candidates have agreed to debate. The district is the largest in Wisconsin, covering the northwest and Northwoods, including Wausau, Superior and Hayward. It has been held by Republicans since 2011; Tiffany won 63.6% 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.