SOUTHEAST WISCONSIN, Wis. — Peter Burgelis, a Milwaukee alderman, announced Sunday that he is running for Congress in Wisconsin’s 1st Congressional District, positioning himself as a challenger to incumbent Bryan Steil and focusing his campaign on affordability and accountability.
Burgelis, who currently serves on the Milwaukee Common Council, emphasized his experience in local government, saying his time as an alderman has centered on helping residents navigate rising housing costs and other economic pressures. He said those experiences have shaped his approach and priorities as he seeks federal office.
“I can’t sit by while Bryan Steil lets Donald Trump take aim at our neighbors, our pocketbooks, and our values,” Burgelis said in his campaign announcement.
The Milwaukee alderman said his campaign will focus heavily on lowering costs for working families, arguing that expenses for healthcare, housing, and groceries continue to rise while large corporations benefit from favorable policies. He also criticized Steil’s record, claiming the congressman has supported policies aligned with former President Donald Trump.
Burgelis contrasted his local, constituent-focused role with Steil’s background, referencing the incumbent’s past work with former House Speaker Paul Ryan and in private law. He accused Steil of backing Trump-era tariffs that he said have increased costs for consumers.
Drawing on his work at the local level, Burgelis said he has focused on expanding access to affordable housing and listening to constituents’ concerns — an approach he said he would bring to Washington if elected.
“We have to beat Steil to take back Congress and stand up for working families,” Burgelis said.
Wisconsin’s 1st Congressional District spans southeastern Wisconsin, including Kenosha, Racine, Janesville, Beloit, Lake Geneva, and several Milwaukee-area suburbs. The seat has been held by Steil since 2019, and Burgelis’ entry sets up a race that could draw attention as both parties look to compete for control of Congress.
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One Response
The guy sounds like a walking press release. “I hate Trump” isn’t much to run on. Pointing out that Steil is a do-nothing congressman and addressing district concerns would make more sense.