Democrats eye Wisconsin Republican incumbent as congressional map expands in hopes of a blue wave

Racine, Wisconsin (AP) — Mitchell Berman, a first-time Democratic candidate, believes voters in his district are angry and sees this as his best chance to unseat Rep. Bryan Steil, a Republican who has held the seat for over 30 years. Berman, a nurse, shared his empathy for struggling families with The Associated Press, noting that many are seeking someone they can relate to.

The Democrat's race against Steil is seen as a potential turning point if the anticipated blue wave materializes. While some Republicans may be concerned, both parties agree that Berman's underdog status makes it challenging for him to unseat the well-known incumbent. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee added Wisconsin's 1st Congressional District to its "red to blue" program in September, providing additional resources and fundraising support for Berman.

Steil, who worked as an attorney before serving in Congress, downplayed being targeted, stating that his team has effectively addressed voter concerns. The National Republican Congressional Committee has invested approximately $90,000 in mailings for Steil's district, while pro-Republican groups have collectively spent over $84 million on advertising in House races since September 1.

The majority of this spending, 96%, has targeted districts won by President Donald Trump in 2024, while only $3.5 million was invested in Democrat-held districts. Berman's underfunded campaign, with $6.3 million on hand compared to Steil's $152,000, could be challenging, but Barca, a former incumbent Democrat in the district, suggests that a significant enough wave could still help Berman succeed.

The Wisconsin district includes Kenosha, Janesville, and Racine, where Berman seeks voter support during his pitch at a local coffee shop. The district, previously represented by former House Speaker Paul Ryan, has become increasingly competitive since the 2022 congressional maps.