Trump makes endorsement in race for GOP Rep. Gallagher's congressional seat

Donald Trump has endorsed the forthcoming congressional bid of Tony Wied, former owner of the northeastern Wisconsin-based Dino Stop gas station chain.

UNITED STATES - AUGUST 31: Rep. Mike Gallagher, R-Wisc., speaks during the House Republicans press conference on the U.S. military withdrawal from Afghanistan in the Rayburn Room in the U.S. Capitol on Tuesday, August 31, 2021. (Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)

"Tony is running against RINO Roger Roth, who is a ‘clone’ of Paul Ryan, and no friend to MAGA — He should drop out of the Race NOW," Trump wrote. "As your next Congressman, Tony will work hard to Unleash American Energy, Stop Inflation, Secure our Border, Support our Military / Vets, and Protect our always under siege Second Amendment."

Roth, in a statement Monday, highlighted his service with the Wisconsin Air National Guard and recommitted to Trump.

"As the only veteran in this race, I know what it means to serve," Roth said. "My wife and I Iook at our country, and for the sake of our children, know we have to fight to preserve and protect what makes America great. I will win this race and help win Wisconsin for Donald Trump this November."

Roth has been racking up his own endorsements from conservatives, including former Republican Gov. Scott Walker and former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

State Sen. Andre Jacque, of De Pere, is also running as a Republican. Dr. Kristin Lyerly, also from De Pere, is the only announced Democratic candidate.

Another Republican and Trump-backer, GOP consultant Alex Bruesewitz, had been considering a run. Bruesewitz said in a text message Monday that he had been planning to run until he met Wied.

"I strongly encouraged him to plan for a run," Bruesewitz said. "I believe he is a 10/10 candidate."

Bruesewitz said he would working as an adviser on Wied's campaign.

Wisconsin's 8th Congressional District is solidly Republican, but Democrats have vowed to make it competitive.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Trump won the district by 16 percentage points in 2020, even though he lost the state by less than a point to President Joe Biden. Gallagher won reelection three times by no fewer than 25 points. The district includes the cities of Appleton and Green Bay, Door County and covers mostly rural areas north through Marinette.

Get the latest updates from the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews and more Fox News politics content.

Subscribed

You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter!

https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-makes-endorsement-race-gop-rep-gallaghers-congressional-seat