Former Wisconsin gas station chain owner Tony Wied expected to announce run for Gallagher’s seat

Former Wisconsin gas station chain owner Tony Weed plans to announce his candidacy for Rep. Mike Gallagher’s (R-Wis.) seat on Monday, two sources told The Hill. told.

Weed, who previously owned six Dino Stop gas stations and convenience stores, is expected to announce his candidacy for Wisconsin’s 8th Congressional District, which covers the northeastern corner of the Badger State.

Alex Brucewicz, a pro-Trump Republican consultant who was first reported by The Hill to be considering a run for Gallagher’s seat, is expected to abandon his bid and support Weed instead. ing.milwaukee journal sentinel reported last week Wied was reportedly considering a run of his own, with Brusewitz likely supporting him.

“I feel like Tony Weed is the most likely candidate to win this time. Even though I’m ahead by 21 points, Tony Weed is the most likely candidate to win this race in the primary and general election.” ” Brusewitz told The Hill.

“Part of putting America first is not putting ourselves first,” he added.

Brusewitz was referring to a Signal poll released last month that showed him leading Gallagher in the Republican primary with a 36% share of the seat, followed by state Sen. Andre Jacques (R) with 15%. , followed by former state Sen. Roger Ross (R) with 12%. percent. Approximately 37% were undecided.

A source close to former President Trump’s family told The Hill that Trump’s trajectory encouraged Brusewitz to run in the district. Kimberly Guilfoyle, a former Trump adviser and fiancee of Donald Trump Jr., told The Hill that Brusewitz was “selfless and always put Trump and MAGA’s interests ahead of what was best for himself.” “We prioritize what’s best for the movement as a whole.”

“We support him 100% in whatever decision he makes,” she added.

Meanwhile, a source close to Weed told The Hill: “There will be a big announcement on Monday.”

“Tony is humbled by the outpouring of support from patriots in the district encouraging him to run for this seat. [he’s] “We appreciate Alex Brucewicz’s friendship and desire to get the America First representatives they deserve at WI-8,” the source said.

Officials said the announcement will be made at an event hosted by Brusewitz in Green Bay.

Ahead of Weed’s expected announcement, Trump announced on his Truth social media platform that he supported the former owner of a gas station chain in Wisconsin.

“After selling his highly successful oil and gas business, Tony Weed decided to run for Wisconsin’s 8th Congressional District. Tony is a ‘clone’ of Paul Ryan and a MAGA friend. No RINO is playing against Roger Ross. He should withdraw from the race now,” President Trump wrote.

“As Congressman-elect, Tony will work hard to free America’s energy, stop inflation, secure our borders, support our military and veterans, and protect the Second Amendment, which is under siege. Tony Weed has my full support – he won’t let you down!”

Gallagher, a rising star in the Republican Party, announced earlier this year that he would not seek re-election to the House. But he brought his retirement forward last month, saying he would step down on April 19.

“…the framers intended for the people to serve as legislators for a season and then return to private life,” Gallagher said. said in its first statement in February.. “Electoral politics was never meant to be a profession. Believe me, Congress is not the place to grow old.”

Gallagher’s move comes days after he and two other House Republicans voted against impeaching Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, blocking House Republicans’ efforts to oust Biden administration officials. issued a statement. About a week later, House Republicans impeached Mayorkas in a second attempt.

Gallagher’s early retirement means his spot will become vacant. Jack and Ross are also running in the Republican primary, and obstetrician-gynecologist Christine Leary is running on the Democratic side.

Trump won the district in 2020 by a margin of more than 15 points, and whoever wins the Republican primary is considered the front-runner to represent the district.

A person familiar with the pro-Trump Republican consultant said those scheduled to attend include Kurt Voss, CEO of Amerix International Inc., furniture retailer Jim Green and an executive at Plexus Inc. He pointed out that

Updated at 8pm.