Republican candidates vying to replace Rep. Tom Tiffany in Wisconsin’s 7th Congressional District clashed Tuesday in their only televised debate before the Aug. 11 primary, trading questions on experience, loyalty to former President Donald Trump and ties to Washington, DC.
The 90-minute forum, hosted by WJFW Newswatch 12 and moderated by anchor Dan Hagen, featured Michael Alfonso, Jessi Ebben, Kevin Hermening and Niina Baum at the WJFW studio in Rhinelander.
Alfonso, a media producer and son-in-law of U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, highlighted his connections to the district and his father-in-law’s record of service. Ebben, a public relations professional who ran previously in Wisconsin’s 3rd District, emphasized her conservative credentials and engagement with voters across the 26 counties. Hermening, a former Marathon County Republican Party chair and one of the Americans held hostage in Iran, drew on his personal story of resilience and public service. Baum, a Rhinelander business owner, pointed to her deep roots in the Northwoods.
Alfonso took the sharpest criticism from his rivals because of his ties to Duffy and the Trump Administration. He received President Trump’s endorsement early in the race and is considered the overwhelming favorite to win the GOP primary. But he was asked about whether he has the experience necessary to serve in Congress.
Most of the substantive policy discussions centered around issues of local importance in the Northwoods district such as delisting the gray wolf as an endangered species but also delved into national issues like the Iran War.
The winner of next month’s primary will face the Democratic nominee in November in the district covering Wausau, Superior and much of northern and central Wisconsin. Tiffany dropped his bid for re-election when he announced a run for Governor last year. He has not endorsed a potential successor in the primary.
