The upcoming August 11 primary and November 3 general election in the Green Bay metro area are shaping up to be highly competitive, with a wide array of candidates vying for positions at every level of the ballot. This competition is particularly pronounced in the two highest-ranking legislative positions: the Democratic primary for Wisconsin’s 8th Congressional District and the Republican primary for the state’s 1st Senate District.
The 8th Congressional District is set for a three-candidate Democratic primary, while the 1st Senate District will see four Republicans competing after incumbent state Sen. André Jacque, R-Scott, chose not to seek re-election. These contests reflect the growing number of candidates entering the race, which has led to several rematches between former opponents.
Candidates had until 5 p.m. on June 1 to file their paperwork for seats in the U.S. House of Representatives, odd-numbered districts in the Wisconsin Senate, the state Assembly, and county-level offices such as sheriff and circuit court clerk. Additionally, state-wide races for governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, secretary of state, and state treasurer will also be on the ballot.
Here are the Green Bay-area candidates who filed nomination papers as of 5:15 p.m. on June 1, according to the Wisconsin Elections Commission. Candidates whose papers are still being reviewed are listed as pending, and incumbents are marked with an (i).
U.S. HOUSE
8th Congressional District
Candidates are running for a two-year term to represent the district, which spans 11 counties in northeastern Wisconsin, from Marinette in the north to parts of Winnebago and Calumet counties in the south.
- Democrats: Rick Crosson, Katrina deVille, Mark Scheffler
- Republican: Tony Wied (i)
A Democratic primary will be held on August 11.
WISCONSIN LEGISLATURE
Senate District 1
Candidates are competing for a four-year term to represent Door, Kewaunee, and Calumet counties, and parts of Brown, Outagamie, and Manitowoc counties.
- Independent: Mark Becker
- Republicans: Katie Baney, Barbara Bittner, Nic Cravillion, Jacob VandenPlas
A Republican primary will be held on August 11. No candidate filed to run as a Democrat.
Assembly District 1
Two-year term; the district covers Door and Kewaunee counties and extends into Brown County.
- Democrat: Renee Paplham
- Republican: Joel Kitchens (i)
Assembly District 2
Two-year term; the district includes parts of Manitowoc, Brown, and Outagamie counties.
- Democrat: Alicia Saunders
- Republican: Shae Sortwell (i)
Assembly District 4
Two-year term; the district spans Oconto and Brown counties, from Lena and Oconto in the north to Howard and a portion of Green Bay’s very west side.
- Democrat: Alexia Unertl
- Republican: David Steffen (i)
Assembly District 5
Two-year term; the district stretches into Brown and Outagamie counties, including Freedom and Kaukauna.
- Democrat: Justin Schumacher
- Wisconsin Green: David Schupbach
- Republican: Joy Goeben (i)
Assembly District 6
Two-year term; the district covers parts of Shawano, Waupaca, Menominee, Oconto, and Brown counties.
- Democrat: Shirley Hinze
- Republican: Elijah Behnke (i)
Assembly District 88
Two-year term; the district includes Allouez, Bellevue, De Pere, Green Bay, Ledgeview, and Rockland.
- Democrat: Brandy Tollefson
- Republican: Benjamin Franklin (i)
Assembly District 89
Two-year term; the district spans Ashwaubenon and much of the west side of Green Bay.
- Democrat: Ryan Spaude (i)
- Republican: Bobby Lindsey
Assembly District 90
Two-year term; the district covers Green Bay’s east side and some of its west side.
- Democrat: Amaad Rivera-Wagner (i)
- Republican: Jessica Henderson
BROWN COUNTY PARTISAN OFFICES
Sheriff
- Republican: Todd Delain (i)
Clerk of Circuit Court
- Republican: John A. Vander Leest (i)
According to county clerk Patrick Moynihan, the Brown County Clerk’s Office did not receive any other candidacies as of 5 p.m. on June 1.
STATE RACES
The following candidates have filed nomination papers for state races and have had them approved or are pending:
Governor
- Democrats: Sara Rodriguez, Mandela Barnes, Joel Brennan, Missy Hughes, Francesca Hong, David Crowley, Kelda Roys, Kirk Bangstad (pending)
- Independent: David King (pending)
- Republicans: Tom Tiffany, Andy Manske
Republican and Democratic primaries will be held on August 11.
Lieutenant Governor
- Democrat: Sarah Godlewski
- Republicans: David Varnam, Will Martin (pending)
Attorney General
- Democrat: Josh Kaul
- Republican: Eric Toney
Secretary of State
- Democrats: JoCasta Zamarripa, Eileen Newcomer (pending)
- Republicans: Jay Schroeder, Brayden Myer, Nate Pollnow, Cindy Werner
- Wisconsin Green: Pete Karas
A Republican primary will be held on August 11.
State Treasurer
- Democrats: Yee Leng Xiong, Dylan Helmenstine
- Republicans: John S. Leiber
A Democratic primary will be held on August 11.
