(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
CALEDONIA, Wis. — Randy Bryce, a union ironworker and Army veteran known by the nickname “Iron Stache,” announced Tuesday he will challenge Republican U.S. Rep. Bryan Steil in Wisconsin’s 1st Congressional District, setting the stage for a rematch of their 2018 contest.
Bryce, who lost to Steil by 12 percentage points seven years ago, declared his candidacy with a new campaign video titled “Job’s Not Finished.” In it, he calls out Steil for what he described as loyalty to “billionaires like Elon Musk” and “doing nothing to stop Trump” on issues including Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and veterans’ benefits. Bryce claims Steil has “been hiding from his own constituents” and “siding with the corruption and chaos” of the former president’s agenda.
“Steil runs from people. I’m running to them,” Bryce said in his launch video, which also highlights his working-class roots, past military service, and his work helping disabled individuals find employment.
But the Steil campaign quickly dismissed Bryce as a “career radical” and perennial candidate whose ideas, they argue, are out of step with Wisconsin voters.
“Randy Bryce’s radical open-border and anti-law enforcement policies have been rejected by Wisconsin families multiple times because they would endanger our communities,” the Steil campaign said in a statement issued Tuesday.
The congressman’s team emphasized Steil’s record of winning decisively in the district, noting his double-digit victory over Bryce in 2018 and his more recent win over former Democratic state lawmaker Peter Barca.
“While radicals like Bryce continue to try and take our nation backwards,” the campaign’s statement read, “Congressman Bryan Steil has a record of delivering real results. Steil remains focused on securing our border, lowering costs for Wisconsin families, and supporting Wisconsin seniors.”
Steil, a former University of Wisconsin Regent and Janesville native, was elected to succeed Paul Ryan after the former Speaker of the House retired. His campaign has consistently focused on economic stability, public safety, and opposition to what he calls excessive government spending.
Bryce, for his part, positioned himself as a voice for the working class during his 2018 campaign, raising millions in small-dollar donations and gaining national media attention. He has remained active in progressive political circles since, particularly on issues related to Social Security and labor rights.
The race is expected to draw national interest as Republicans seek to maintain control of the district and Democrats aim to reclaim ground in the Midwest.
Bryce lives in Caledonia with his teenage son. Steil currently resides in Janesville and has held the congressional seat since January 2019.
The general election will be held on Nov. 4, 2025.
6 Responses
Here we go… more politics.
After working in the union and paying “dues” I can say after everything and retiring at 65… unions are no longer what they were intended for. They protect the lazy and the more senior you are the more lazier you got. I had a co worker that filed grievances all the time. I asked him why he did it and he said cause he can and it disrupts the bosses operation.
I will vote accordingly.
Well, he’s correct that Steil does nothing. Apparently republican “representatives” don’t have to meet with us or hold town hall meetings anymore.
Exactly. He Steil needs to go.
Our congressional district deserves better than a do-nothing congressman and a less competent wannabe. Sheesh.
This was the district once represented by Les Aspin and Paul Ryan. We can do better.
Les Aspin was responsible for “Black Hawk Down” and the loss of U.S. troops while Sec Defense under Clinton.
Randy Bryce is a lunatic lefty.