Mark Scheffler (Photo courtesy of Mark Scheffler's campaign)
APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — A retired Appleton business owner is throwing his hat into the 2026 Wisconsin 8th Congressional District race.
Mark Scheffler says he’s running as a Progressive Democrat.
The former owner of Appleton Group Wealth Management LLC says he’s running a different kind of campaign — one that is free from corporate PAC money, special interest influence and party machine funding.
Scheffler says he will commit to a budget of $5 per voter — approximately $2.1 million in total — with 90% of all funds spent locally in the district. This includes hiring a local campaign manager, using in-district vendors for campaign materials and organizing events rooted in the local communities of Northeast Wisconsin.
Scheffler wrote:
My campaign will be powered by people — by neighbors, friends and everyday voters who believe our democracy is worth the effort it takes to fix it.”
“We will run on ideas, not insults, and focus on the values that matter most to people here in Northeast Wisconsin: honesty, fairness and stewardship.”
“But we won’t win this race by talking only to the people who already agree with us. That is why I will actively engage with open-minded conservatives — especially farmers, business owners and working families — because building a sustainable future requires all of us.”
“This campaign belongs to us — not to Washington, not to distant corporations, not to billionaires and not to a national political machine. Let’s prove that integrity, unity and good ideas still win in America. And let’s start right here in Northeast Wisconsin.
In a special election in November of 2024, voters elected Republican Tony Wied to finish out former Republican Rep. Mike Gallagher’s term and to serve the next two-year term.
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