APPLETON, WI (WTAQ) – Outagamie County Executive Tom Nelson says he’s officially running in the race for Wisconsin’s Eighth Congressional District.
During a press conference at his home Thursday, Nelson confirmed he has filed paperwork to run as a Democrat for the seat being vacated by Republican Reid Ribble.
“The purpose of this campaign is to put people over politics,” said Nelson. “I’ve been active in our communities, and I have a firsthand understanding of what it takes to represent the families of northeast Wisconsin. That’s the kind of leadership the people of Wisconsin expect, and that’s the kind of leadership I will take to Congress.”
The Republican Party of Wisconsin put out a statement on Thursday’s announcement:
“Tom Nelson’s candidacy was ushered in by Washington D.C. Democrats because he will be a rubber stamp for their agenda in Congress,” said Pat Garrett, spokesman for the Republican Party of Wisconsin. “Over the course of his political career, Nelson has promoted the radical left-wing agenda; growing state government to a level we couldn’t afford, while inundating working families with higher taxes. Nelson is looking to bring the same backward policies he championed in Madison to Washington D.C.”
Nelson was first elected to the Wisconsin Assembly in 2004 and was named majority leader in 2008.
Nelson ran for Lieutenant Governor in 2010 on the same ticket as Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, but lost to Republicans Scott Walker and Rebecca Kleefisch. He was then elected county executive in 2011.
Ribble announced earlier this year he would not seek a fourth term.
Several candidates have already entered the race.
On the Republican side, Mike Gallagher, Terry McNulty and State Sen. Frank Lasee have announced their candidacies.
Nelson joins Jerry Kobishop as Democrats in the race. Wendy Gribben is running as an independent.
