(WLUK) — Hours after Republican Mike Gallagher announced he won’t seek re-election to Congress, we have another Republican looking to take his place.
Former State Sen. Roger Roth, of Appleton, says he will run for the seat, according to a post from his account on X.
I'd like to thank @MikeforWI for his eight years of service. Throughout his time in office, Congressman Gallagher has worked tirelessly for the people of the 8th District and shined a light on the dangers both of our adversaries abroad and our complacency at home.
— Roger Roth (@Roth4Wisconsin) February 10, 2024
“As a lifelong resident of Northeast Wisconsin, I am ready to fight back against President Joe Biden’s dangerous open border, disastrous economy, and weak foreign policy that has put Americans at risk, both at home and abroad,” wrote Roth. “Now is a time for bold, new leadership to restore the America we love. We must solidify our border and strengthen our national security, our economy, and our traditional values.”
Roth, 46, previously ran for the seat in 2010, but lost in a primary matchup to Reid Ribble.
The Appleton native was the Republican candidate for lieutenant governor when Tim Michels lost to Gov. Tony Evers in 2022, after serving 8 years in Wisconsin’s senate and 4 years in the State Assembly.
Roth is a former member of the Wisconsin Air National Guard, having served four tours of duty in Iraq.
State Sen. Andre Jacque, of De Pere, tells FOX 11 he has had a lot of people reach out to him to run, and it’s something he will take a serious look at.
Alex Bruesewitz, the CEO and founder of X Strategies – a political consulting firm, has already said he will consider a run for Gallagher’s spot.
The Ripon native posted a statement on X saying he has meetings planned with county GOP chairs in the district and “the people of #WI8 deserve a fighter who will help secure the southern border and Make America Great Again.”
STATEMENT ON MIKE GALLAGHER QUITTING CONGRESS:@RepGallagher was considered by many as a rising star in the GOP. But instead of embracing the MAGA movement, he decided to betray the grassroots and protect the swamp.
— Alex Bruesewitz 🇺🇸 (@alexbruesewitz) February 10, 2024
Mike is now quitting congress because he knows he would face…
Bruesewitz reportedly lives in Florida and would need to move back to Wisconsin and the 8th Congressional District in order to be eligible.
Gallagher says isn’t sure who might try to replace him.
“We have a lot of good state legislators that I’ve worked with very closely,” said Gallagher. “I have no idea who is thinking about throwing their hat in the race.”