8th Congressional District to have 2 elections on fall ballots

GREEN BAY, WI – (WISS & WGBW) – Two elections for the 8th Congressional District will be on the same ballot and the Wisconsin Elections Commission (WEC) is trying to find a way to explain the elections to avoid voter confusion.

When Rep. Mike Gallagher resigned from Congress on April 19th, Governor Tony Evers was required by Wisconsin law to call a special election to fill the remainder of Gallagher’s term which expires in January of 2025. The special election must happen during the usual election cycle. Also on that ballot will be the election to fill the full two-year term that starts in January and goes through 2026. 

Candidates for the 8th Congressional District can run for just the two months at the end of this year, the full two-year term, or both. Candidates would have to turn in signatures and nomination papers for both elections if they choose to run. The deadline for those papers is June 3rd.

Commissioners are considering placing dates of the two terms on the ballot or creating handouts to explain the circumstances to voters. The WEC will consider proposals at the June 10th meeting. 

A primary for the 8th Congressional District will be August 13th. The general election is November 5th.

So far, three Republicans are running for the seat: State Senator Andre Jacque, Former State Senator Roger Roth, and Tony Wied. The only announced Democrat is Kristen Lyerly. 

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