Kristin Lyerly announces bid for 8th Congressional District seat

GREEN BAY, WI – (WISS and WGBW) – Kristin Lyerly, an OB-GYN practicing in the Fox Valley announces her candidacy for the 8th Congressional District during a press conference in Green Bay this morning. Lyerly, a Democrat, is the most recent candidate to announce a run for the seat being vacated by Republican Mike Gallagher.

Mike Gallagher is not running for re-election and has announced that he is resigning from his position in Congress on April 19th. With his resignation, Lyerly saw that now was the time to act. 

Why the run for Congress?

“When Mike Gallagher decided not to run, it opened up a clear path,” said Lyerly. “And even though this is an R+16 district by the numbers, with this being the issue, with me being the candidate, and with the people of Northeastern Wisconsin as the voters, we can pull this district.”

Lyerly says that it would be easy for someone to pigeonhole her as a candidate who only knows about healthcare. But she said that is not the case. She is a former business owner, a mother, and a community advocate for many social causes. 

In 2020, Lyerly ran for the Wisconsin State Assembly 88th District seat. She was defeated by John Macco. She said the loss allowed her to continue trying to make a difference in the area.

“It was never about the seat,” said Lyerly. “It was always about ‘What can I do to make things better?’” 

Lyerly said that she is also running to show voters that everyone has a part to play in the election.

“There is a place for every one of us, said Lyerly. “Whether we are candidates, helping candidates, having conversations, getting out the vote, or just voting, every single one of us has a part to play in this incredibly consequential election.”

Lyerly Joins several republicans who have announced runs for the seat

Republicans, former State Senator Roger Roth and State Senator Andre Jacque, have also thrown their hats into the ring. Alex Bruesewitz, a GOP consultant for Donald Trump, may also join the fray. He has teased an announcement on April 8th.

The 8th Congressional District covers most of the Fox Valley starting in Appleton and extending northward to the border with the Upper Peninsula. It covers Brown, Calumet, Door, Kewaunee, Marinette, Menominee, Oconto, Outagamie, Shawano, Waupaca Counties, and a small part of Winnebago County.

Lyerly has appeared on many Civic Media radio network shows over the past year, including Maino & The Mayor. She answers health questions and helps to interpret legal and political stories in the healthcare arena.