U.S. Rep. Tony Wied, R-8th Congressional District, speaks with people at Ken Euers Nature Area in Green Bay on August 28, 2025. PC: Fox 11 Online
GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — We’re still 15 months away from the midterm election and about a year away from the primary, but the race for Wisconsin’s 8th Congressional District already has participants.
Two Democrats recently announced their candidacy, and Republican incumbent Tony Wied has confirmed that he will seek re-election.
Wied declared victory in the district less than 10 months ago, when he defeated Democratic challenger Kristin Lyerly by a 57.3% to 42.6% margin.
“I welcome anyone to jump into the race,” said Wied. “It’s a great country where people can jump in and say what they need to say and what they think they can do to help this country.”
Wied said he would “absolutely” be running in 2026 before touring Ducks Unlimited conservation projects at Ken Euers Nature Area and Barkhausen Waterfowl Preserve in Brown County.
“I am excited. I’m passionate about this job,” said Wied. “I’m devoting my life to public service and again, it’s an honor of a lifetime to be able to serve the great people here in Wisconsin’s 8th District.”
Rick Crosson and Mark Scheffler are the two Democrats who’ve said they’ll be challenging Wied.
“I think he’s in over his head,” said Crosson. “I think he’s well meaning, but I think this role is just not something that he’s up for.”
Crosson is a retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel. He was appointed to serve the remaining term of a vacated Green Bay school board seat, but lost an attempt at a full term this past spring.
“It’s been a long decision process for me,” said Crosson. “I started considering this months ago. I figure the cycle of communication, the time it’s going to take to connect with people, is going to be extensive.”
Over the past decade, candidates for the 8th Congressional District typically haven’t announced their intention to run until spring or late winter of the election year.
“I want to spend a year talking to people in all parts of the district,” said Scheffler.
He is the retired owner of Appleton Group Wealth Management and says his desire to run has nothing to do with Wied.
“Everyone wants to know who I’m running against, and I give the same answer all the time: I’m not running against anyone,” sad Scheffler. “I’m not running against my primary opponent. My answer is, I’m running for the people — both conservatives and progressives — here in Northeast Wisconsin.”
Both Crosson and Scheffler shared why they feel they are the best fit for the position.
“I’ve run businesses and I know how to get things done and move people toward some objectives that are quantifiable,” said Crosson.
“Whether you’re Republican or Democrat, what we need right now is someone who understands the connection between a sustainable economy and sustainable society and a sustainable environment,” said Scheffler.
Wied says two-year terms ensure people are receiving their desired representation in Congress.
“It’s our job to continue to deliver what we said we were going to do, and that’s what I’m continuing to do, is delivering on the campaign promises of returning more money back and putting more money into people’s pocket and providing a good, safe, secure country,” said Wied.
A Democrat has not won the 8th Congressional District seat since 2008.
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