Republican Jason Church, a retired Army captain and aide to GOP U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson, formally launched his bid for the 7th CD, saying he “answered the call to serve my country and I am proudly doing so again today.”
“Wisconsin’s 7th District is made up of hardworking Americans who understand sacrifice and caring for their neighbors in need,” said Church, who had both legs amputated below the knee after he was injured in Afghanistan. “They rallied around me when I came home from Afghanistan and it would be my honor to return the favor and fight for them in the United States Congress.”
Church joins state Sen. Tom Tiffany, R-Hazelhurst, as the only announced candidates in the field so far to replace former GOP U.S. Rep. Sean Duffy, whose resignation took effect Monday. Other Republicans weighing a bid include Wausau thoracic surgeon Fernando “Fritz” Riveron and Mosinee Mayor Brent Jacobson.
Dems who are considering it include: state Sen. Janet Bewley, of Mason; Wausau attorney Christine Bremer; Margaret Engebretson, who challenged Duffy in 2018; former state Sen. Pat Kreitlow, of Chippewa Falls; and state Rep. Nick Milroy, of South Range.
As part of his rollout, Church released a 2-minute, 33-second video that recounts his 2012 injury in Afghanistan and his family’s history of service in the military. Church noted his father was called to active duty in Afghanistan after he was injured and wore a pair of his combat boots while there “to finish my tour and get a proper exit.”
Church said his goal would be to serve four terms and then “be done,” saying he supports term limits.
“I’ll do some things that tick off the right people and be done,” Church says, concluding the video by encouraging viewers to “lace your boots up with me.”
Operative Juston Johnson is working as Church’s general consultant.
On Monday, Gov. Tony Evers ordered a Jan. 27 special election with a primary Dec. 30.
