Republican Primary Tests Trump Endorsement in Wisconsin District

A 26-year-old Republican is running for his father-in-law's former House seat in Wisconsin's 7th Congressional District. The candidate points to historical examples of young elected officials and has received campaign support from his father-in-law, who previously held the seat.

The primary on August 11 will test whether the endorsement and family connections can overcome skepticism from some local Republican officials. Those officials have questioned whether the candidate has sufficient experience for the role.

One opponent is a 66-year-old former Marine who was held hostage in Iran for 444 days in 1979-1981. He has worked nearly 40 years as a financial planner, served 16 years on a local school board, and chaired the county Republican Party for 24 years. Another opponent is an executive at a furniture company who has received support from major Republican donors.

Additional candidates include a dog musher and an accountant who also works as a real estate broker.

The candidate has received tens of thousands of dollars from transportation interests. A super PAC supporting the campaign received $1 million from his father-in-law's former congressional account and another $1 million from a Wisconsin-based Republican donor.

Some local Republican leaders have publicly questioned the candidate's credentials and raised concerns about the influence of family connections. " The candidate stated he answers only to God and the voters when asked about potential obligations to donors.

The father-in-law's transportation department spokesperson said the father-in-law remains focused on executing the president's agenda.