Meet the Republicans who may run for Paul Ryan's seat in Congress
With House Speaker Paul Ryan's announcement that he would not seek re-election, attention in Wisconsin turned to speculating about which Republicans would toss their hats in the ring to replace him. Here are a few who might run.
Robin Vos
Updated
Most Republicans in Wisconsin said the focus will be on whether Robin Vos, the Assembly speaker since 2013, would get into the race.
"You have to start with Robin Vos as the one who decides whether or not he runs," said Brandon Scholz, a longtime GOP strategist in the state and former Wisconsin Republican Party executive director.
Vos was in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday and tweeted a picture of himself with August and other Republicans at the White House, where they were attending a meeting and fundraiser. He did not comment on Ryan.
Enjoying our visit to the @WhiteHouse today. @WIAssemblyGOP pic.twitter.com/xBacHjVlZ3
— Speaker Robin Vos (@SpeakerVos) April 11, 2018
Reince Priebus
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Former White House chief of staff Reince Priebus, of Kenosha, is another possible front-runner to replace Ryan. He was previously the chair of the Republican National Committee (2011-17) and the Republican Party of Wisconsin (2007-11).
Priebus tweeted his praise for Ryan on Wednesday, but didn't say whether he would consider returning to the Wisconsin district where he used to live for a run.
It has been one of the highest honors of my life to grow up in politics with @PRyan. I’m so proud of my friend for all he’s accomplished as a dedicated and principled public servant - always putting faith and family first. Thank you Paul! #OnWisconsin #GoPackGo
— Reince Priebus (@Reince) April 11, 2018
Samantha Kerkman
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Burlington native Samantha Kerkman, who has represented Wisconsin's 61st Assembly District since 2001, has also been floated as a possible Republican replacement for Ryan.
"Hey, it's the year of the woman," Kerkman said on Wednesday. "There's a lot to think about."
Rep. @samanthakerkman, who has represented the 61st Assembly District (in @SpeakerRyan's district) since 2001, says she's talking to others in the area (@Reince, etc.) to see what they're thinking. #WI01
— Jessie Opoien (@jessieopie) April 11, 2018
Is she thinking about running?
"Well, it is the year of the woman."
Tyler August
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Lake Geneva Republican Tyler August has represented Wisconsin's 32nd state Assembly district since 2011 and serves as Speaker Pro Tempore. He was in Washington with Assembly Speaker Robin Vos on Wednesday when Paul Ryan made his announcement.
State Sen. Steve Nass says he will not run for @SpeakerRyan's seat.
— Theo Keith (@TheoKeith) April 11, 2018
State Rep. @TylerAugust does not say whether he plans to run, but will "continue to ask for (Ryan's) advice and guidance in the future."
David Craig
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Town of Vernon state Sen. David Craig, 28th District, is a friend and former aide to Paul Ryan and has also been rumored to be interested in running for Ryan's seat.
My statement on @SpeakerRyan's retirement. pic.twitter.com/IiootplSxA
— Sen. David Craig (@SenDaveCraig) April 11, 2018
Bryan Steil
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Attorney Bryan Steil (pictured at left), a longtime friend of Paul Ryan's and member of the Wisconsin Board of Regents, says he is also considering running for the seat. Steil was a 1st Congressional District delegate to the Republican National Convention in 2016.
Forwarded statement from UW Regent Bryan Steil on possible run for 1st CD:
— JR Ross (@jrrosswrites) April 11, 2018
"Since Speaker Ryan's decision today, I have received calls from a number of friends and leaders in the First Congressional District urging me to run. I am giving this serious consideration."
Amy Loudenbeck
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State Assembly Rep. Amy Loudenbeck, of Clinton, was also floated as a possible contender for Paul Ryan's seat in Congress.
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U.S. House Speaker Paul Ryan’s announcement Wednesday that he won’t seek re-election rocked Capitol Hill and the 2018 campaign, while spelling an end to a two-decade congressional career that helped define Wisconsin’s recent political history.
