Republican Michael Alfonso Launches Congressional Bid in Wisconsin

Michael Alfonso, the grandson of Cuban refugees who escaped communism, has announced his candidacy for Congress in a solidly Republican district in northern Wisconsin. He kicked off his campaign on Wednesday with hopes to fill a seat that has been a Republican stronghold.

“I’m running for Congress because northern Wisconsin needs representatives who genuinely prioritize families, communities, and America,” Alfonso stated in a release shared with media outlets.

Describing himself as a “pro-Trump conservative,” Alfonso is the son-in-law of Sean Duffy, who served as Secretary of Transportation during the Trump administration. He aims to succeed Duffy, who held the seat for 10 years and is now vacating it to run for governor in 2026.

At just 25 years old, Alfonso expressed his commitment to the values instilled in him throughout his upbringing. “I was raised with Wisconsin values of faith, community, and hard work,” he said. “Now, I’m ready to give back to a community that has provided me so much.”

Alfonso also shared his concerns about the erosion of the American Dream, stating, “I have seen the American Dream slip away from those who truly deserve it.” In a campaign launch video, he emphasized the need for good-paying jobs that allow families to establish roots and foster a stable future.

He expressed strong opposition to socialism, saying, “When young people don’t get ahead, they start listening to lies.” The video featured notable figures associated with socialism, juxtaposing them against his own family’s history of fleeing Cuban oppression.

Alfonso asserted, “My grandparents’ choice to leave communist Cuba for a better life should not be forgotten. We cannot let radical ideologies turn our country into what my grandfather escaped from. I will fight daily for the freedoms and opportunities that brought our family here.”

If elected, Alfonso promised to work alongside President Trump to address issues like energy, food, and housing costs while reforming government operations.

The congressional district, encompassing much of northern Wisconsin, has consistently leaned Republican, evident from Trump’s significant victory margin in the last presidential election and Rep. Tom Tiffany’s re-election by a considerable margin.

So far, Alfonso faces competition in the Republican primary from businessman Paul Wasgren and public relations expert Jesse Eben. On the Democratic front, business owner Chris Armstrong and former state Rep. Fred Clark are preparing their campaigns as well.