Randy Bryce, Bryan Steil To Face Off In Race To Replace US Rep. Paul Ryan

Democrat Randy Bryce will face Republican Bryan Steil in November in a race to replace U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan in Wisconsin’s 1st Congressional District.

Shortly before 9 p.m., the Associated Press called the Republican primary in Steil’s favor with more than 50 percent of the vote, beating out the other four Republican candidates: Jeremy Ryan, Paul Nehlen, Nick Polce and Kevin Steen.

Steil, an attorney for manufacturing companies and University of Wisconsin System regent, was the likely Republican favorite and was endorsed by House Speaker Ryan.

Paul Ryan congratulated Steil after his victory saying he’s the right person to represent the 1st Congressional District.

Bryce — an ironworker, former union organizer and veteran — became the Democratic nominee outpacing Cathy Myers by a margin of 59.2 percent to 40.8 percent with 60 percent of precincts reporting. The race was called shortly after 9 p.m.

Bryce quickly took to Twitter to accept the Democratic nomination.

Prior to winning the nominee, Bryce ran what he called a “people-powered campaign.” He told WPR that one of his goals in running was to get more working people into government.

“We need to get more working people elected to Congress. Right now in Congress, over half are millionaires and don’t understand what it’s like to struggle. So I’m looking forward to going and representing the hardworking people of Wisconsin’s 1st District,” he said.

After his victory, Steil also took to Twitter, saying he was honored to have the trust of voters from the district.

“I am honored to have the trust and confidence of the voters in Southeast Wisconsin. This fall, voters will see a clear contrast between my problem-solving approach and the far-left policies of my opponent. My opponent wants to take more of your money and send it to Washington. I believe the people of Southeast Wisconsin should keep more of their hard-earned money. I am focused on creating high paying Wisconsin jobs, cutting spending, and lowering the cost of healthcare. I thank my team and supporters for lal their hard work over the past few months. I look forward to the next steps of the campaign,” the statement read.

Prior to Tuesday’s election, Steil talked highly of Ryan’s work as a U.S. representative. In an interview with WPR, Steil said the economic growth the state has seen is due to policies put in place by Ryan.

“I look at his 20 years and think about all the big, bold conservative reforms he’s pushed. And then some of those that have turned into really positive policies. Look at the tax reform that was passed recently. I think we’re beginning to see the positive economic benefits of moving that type of tax legislation through. I think those ideas have a direct correlation to the economic growth that we’re seeing.”

REP ELECTION RESULTS:

DEM ELECTION RESULTS:

Editor’s note: Jenny Peek contributed to this report.