Dr. Kristin Lyerly, an obstetrician and gynecologist who performs abortions, has announced her candidacy for the Democratic nomination in Wisconsin’s 8th Congressional District. This comes after the surprise retirement of Republican Rep. Mike Gallagher. Lyerly is currently unopposed in the Democratic primary, which will be held on August 13th. Two Republicans, state Sen. Andre Jacque and former state Sen. Roger Roth, are already running, with a third expected to join the race soon. Lyerly has made abortion a central issue in her campaign, citing her firsthand experience with attacks on women’s reproductive rights.
Lyerly was one of the plaintiffs in a lawsuit that successfully kept abortions legal in Wisconsin after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022. She has worked to ensure that women have access to reproductive care, including safe and legal abortions, maternity care, and mental health support. Her entry into the race has been criticized by Wisconsin Right to Life, who advocate for elected officials who protect all life. Gallagher’s resignation has left Republicans with a narrow majority in the House, with only a small margin for party-line votes.
Gallagher’s tenure as a Republican representative was marked by tensions with former President Donald Trump and his supporters. He also faced backlash from fellow Republicans for refusing to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. Jacque, Roth, and Bruesewitz, all Republicans running in the race, are Trump supporters who oppose abortion. The 8th Congressional District is traditionally Republican, but Democrats are aiming to make it competitive. In the 2020 election, Trump won the district by 16 points, but Gallagher consistently won reelection by larger margins.
The district includes cities like Appleton and Green Bay, as well as rural areas north through Marinette and Door County. Lyerly’s campaign is emphasizing the importance of protecting women’s reproductive rights and ensuring access to essential healthcare services. Her candidacy represents a shift in the political landscape of the district, with a focus on progressive values and healthcare advocacy. The race for Wisconsin’s 8th Congressional District is shaping up to be a competitive contest between candidates with differing views on abortion and other key issues.
