Michael Alfonso, the 26-year-old son-in-law of Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and Fox News host Rachel Campos-Duffy, has won the Republican primary for Wisconsin’s 7th Congressional District. Alfonso defeated a crowded field of contenders to secure the GOP nomination for the northern Wisconsin seat once held by his father-in-law, who represented the district from 2011 to 2019.

Alfonso, a political newcomer, ran a campaign focused on affordability and personal freedoms, emphasizing the need for young Republicans to engage with issues important to younger voters such as owning homes and raising families. He highlighted his background working in construction within the district as an asset to his candidacy.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy campaigned for Alfonso and defended him against criticism regarding his familial connections and ties to the Trump administration. Duffy praised Alfonso's work ethic, saying, "I think it’d be great to have someone who knows how to put on a pair of jeans and a pair of boots and a hard hat and work his butt off 12 hours a day. That’s what he’ll do when he goes to Washington, the same thing he’s done here."

Former President Donald Trump endorsed Alfonso, calling him a "MAGA Warrior" and a young "STAR" running to represent the people of Wisconsin’s 7th Congressional District. Trump pledged that Alfonso would work to grow the economy, cut taxes and regulations, support farmers and ranchers, promote American-made products, secure the border, stop migrant crime, support the military and veterans, safeguard elections, and protect the Second Amendment.

The seat became open after Tom Tiffany, who succeeded Duffy in 2020 following a special election, opted to run for governor instead of seeking another term. Trump carried the district with about 60% of the vote during the 2024 presidential election.

Alfonso has also engaged in discussions on key primary results shaping the upcoming midterm elections and addressed concerns about inflation and economic issues, explaining why conservative solutions resonate with everyday Americans.

Sources