GREEN BAY, Wis. — Republican businessman Tony Wied defeated Democrat Dr. Kristin Lyerly for the 8th Congressional District seat, left vacant by another Republican, former U.S. Rep. Mike Gallagher. 

Wied won both the general and the special election. The special election allows Wied to finish Gallagher’s term in Congress.

What You Need To Know

  • Republican businessman Tony Wied defeated Democrat Dr. Kristin Lyerly for the 8th Congressional District seat, left vacant by another Republican, former U.S. Rep. Mike Gallagher

  • Wied won both the general and the special election. The special election allows Wied to finish Gallagher’s term in Congress

  • Wied said he’ll be sworn in Nov. 12
 

After Tuesday’s victory, Wied is now transitioning to his new role in Washington, D.C.

“I'm ready to get to work,” he said.

In Tuesday night’s victory speech, Wied expressed his eagerness to get to work for Wisconsinites inside the nation’s capital. He said the economy is on the top of his list of priorities. 

"The inflation that we're seeing now, we haven't seen for 40 years, and that's hitting people on the chin right now in this district and throughout the country. I'm very concerned with it, and I know we need to solve the reckless spending issues that we have in Washington right now," Wied said.

The Republican businessman will join fellow Republican and president-elect Donald Trump in Washington.

Wied said receiving Trump's endorsement during the campaign was an honor. He was the only Republican candidate who ran for Wisconsin's 8th Congressional District to have Trump's formal backing. 

He also said the numerous Republican victories in the both Senate and the House of Representatives is a statement of current voter dissatisfaction.

"I ask people, 'Are you better off now than you were four years ago?' The answers are resounding 'no,'" Wied said. "And I'm delighted that he won, and looking forward to working alongside him to save this country."

Wisconsin's 8th Congressional District seat has been held by a Republican since 2011; now it will remain red for at least another two years. Wied said while some things remain the same, his victory signals voters are ready for change.

"I think it was an indication of people wanting common sense, and not the chaos that we see right now, and that's what I'll bring," Wied said.

Nine months ago, Wied said he began his campaign with a pledge to keep it positive. He said he’ll continue to work for unity as he heads to Washington.

Wied said he’ll be sworn in Nov. 12. 

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