“This district deserves a representative who has lived here, worked here, and stood shoulder to shoulder with neighbors through both the good times and the hard times” – Kevin Hermening.
Kevin Hermening announced his candidacy for Wisconsin’s open 7th Congressional District seat on February 18, pledging “to bring experience, accountability, and deep local roots to Washington.”
In a press release, Hermening described himself as a “Marine veteran, small business owner, and longtime Republican grassroots leader.” Hermening launched his campaign at the Marathon County Republican headquarters, “highlighting more than 40 years of involvement in northern Wisconsin community and party leadership.”
The congressional seat is located in northwestern Wisconsin. Some will also remember Hermening because, as a young Marine, he spent 444 days as a hostage in Iran. However, he has served his community in a myriad of other ways as well since that time.
“I’m not running to be somebody – I’m running to do something,” Hermening said. “This district deserves a representative who has lived here, worked here, and stood shoulder to shoulder with neighbors through both the good times and the hard times.”
Hermening is running in the primary against lawyer Paul Wassgren, rural healthcare worker Jessi Ebben, newcomer Niina Baum, and Mike Alfonso, a former podcast producer who is the 25-year-old son-in-law of Sean Duffy, whose campaign committee has poured money into a PAC to paper the district with direct mail supporting his daughter’s husband.
Hermening “has served as chairman of the Marathon County Republican Party, a member of the Mosinee School Board, and an active volunteer in countless local and statewide campaigns,” his press release notes. “He has also built and operated a local business while raising his family in the district.”
“This district has always chosen leaders who understand our values because they share them,” Hermening said.
Hermening cited “growing frustration with Washington’s fiscal mismanagement, rising national debt, border insecurity, and economic uncertainty.”
“Families, seniors, veterans, farmers, and small businesses deserve better than what Washington has delivered,” he said. “This seat is a serious responsibility. It requires judgment, steadiness, and a commitment to representing the people of this district.”
Hermening said his life experiences have prepared him for leadership and accountability.
“When you’ve seen the consequences of weak leadership, you understand why seriousness matters,” Hermening said. “I am prepared to serve from day one.”
The Republican primary election will be held August 11, 2026. Chris Armstrong, Fred Clark, and Ginger Murray are running as Democrats. The GOP primary will likely determine the race, though, due to the district’s strong Republican tilt. It’s Tom Tiffany’s current seat. He’s running for governor.
