Michael Alfonso - Young Conservative Launches Bid for Wisconsin's 7th Congressional District

Wausau, WI – Michael Alfonso, a 25-year-old pro-Trump conservative and son-in-law of U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, announced his candidacy on October 29, 2025, for the U.S. House seat representing Wisconsin's 7th Congressional District. The announcement comes as incumbent Rep. Tom Tiffany (R) opts to run for governor in 2026, leaving the solidly Republican district open.

Alfonso, who describes himself as an "America First" Republican, emphasized his deep roots in northern Wisconsin in a campaign video shared on social media. "I grew up right here in Wisconsin’s 7th — hunting, fishing, playing hockey — and now I’m running for Congress to fight for my home," he said. "It’s time to bring opportunity back and put Wisconsin families first."

Born in Vilas County and raised in Wausau, Alfonso is the grandson of Cuban refugees who fled communism. He paid his way through the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he earned a degree in mathematics, by working long hours in construction, building houses, paving roads, and laying concrete. More recently, he has worked as a media producer.

His platform focuses on protecting families, farms, and constitutional rights, while promoting school choice, boosting homeschooling protections, supporting local agriculture, defending religious freedom, and opposing what he calls "Marxist race and gender indoctrination" in classrooms. Alfonso has pledged to work with President Donald Trump to address rising costs in energy, food, and housing, and to deliver a "MAGA agenda."

Inspired by the late conservative activist Charlie Kirk, Alfonso argues for a "new generation of conservative leaders in Washington, D.C." In December 2025, Turning Point Action, the organization Kirk founded, endorsed Alfonso, praising him as an "unapologetic conservative" who will represent Wisconsin well. He has also secured endorsements from state legislators, including Assembly Representatives Calvin Callahan and Rob Kriebich.

Alfonso enters a crowded Republican primary field that includes Ashland attorney and businessman Paul Wassgren and public relations professional Jessi Ebben. On the Democratic side, candidates include business owner Chris Armstrong and former state Rep. Fred Clark.

The 7th District, covering much of northern and central Wisconsin, is considered safely Republican, with Trump carrying it by wide margins in recent elections. If elected, the 25-year-old Alfonso would become one of the youngest members of Congress, potentially surpassing the current record held by Rep. Maxwell Frost (D-Fla.).

Alfonso is married to Evita Duffy-Alfonso, daughter of Sean Duffy, who represented the district from 2011 to 2019 before joining the Trump administration. For more information on his campaign, visit alfonsoforwisconsin.com.

The primary election is scheduled for August 2026, with the general election on November 3, 2026. 17GEN4.com