Tony Wied defeats Kristin Lyerly, wins Wisconsin’s 8th Congressional District for GOP

Former gas station owner Tony Wied has won the race for Wisconsin’s 8th Congressional District, defeating Democratic opponent Dr. Kristin Lyerly. 

Wied secured victory on Tuesday night when AP News called the race at 10:55 p.m. CST. As of 11 p.m., Wied secured just under 61% of the vote while Lyerly had 39%.

Wied is a political newcomer who used to own a chain of Dino gas station stops that he inherited from his father. He sold the company in 2022, ballooning his net worth possibly over $10 million. Wied heavily leaned on an endorsement from former President Donald Trump, which helped Wied advance past the August primary election. Trump also labeled Wied’s opponent Roger Roth a RINO before the Aug. 13 primary. 

Lyerly put up impressive fundraising numbers but was not able to overcome a tough district that includes Green Bay, Appleton and Door County. Prior to his abrupt resignation in April, Rep. Mike Gallagher (R) convincingly held District 8 for four consecutive cycles. Trump also carried the District in both 2016 (17 points) and 2020 (16 points) by wide margins. 

The candidates were on the ballot twice to determine who will fill out the remaining months of Gallagher’s term. In addition to winning a full term, Wied also won the previous special election.