Republican state senator to run for open congressional seat representing northeastern Wisconsin

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MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A Republican state senator announced Monday that he will run for an open congressional seat representing northeastern Wisconsin.

Andre Jacque of De Pere announced Monday that he will run for the 8th Congressional District seat being vacated by Mike Gallagher. Gallagher abruptly announced last month he won’t seek re-election after he angered his fellow Republicans by refusing to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.

Former state Sen. Roger Roth of Appleton announced his candidacy just hours after Gallagher said he won’t run again. The 8th Congressional District includes the cities of Green Bay, Appleton and Oshkosh and leans heavily Republican. Republican consultant Alex Bruesewitz also is considering a run.

Jacque was first elected to the state Assembly in 2010. He has served in the state Senate representing northeastern Wisconsin’s 1st District since 2018 and has built a reputation as a staunch conservative. He doesn’t face re-election in the state Senate until 2026. If he wins the congressional seat he would have to vacate his Senate position next January when he’s sworn into Congress.

Gallagher abruptly announced last month he won’t seek re-election after he angered his fellow Republicans by refusing to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.

Former state Sen. Roger Roth of Appleton announced his candidacy just hours after Gallagher said he won’t run again.

The 8th Congressional District includes the cities of Green Bay, Appleton and Oshkosh and leans heavily Republican.