Randy Bryce Announces 2026 Rematch Against Steil

Randy Bryce, a Democratic labor advocate and former ironworker known as 'Iron Stache,' has announced a 2026 campaign to challenge Republican Rep. Bryan Steil for Wisconsin’s 1st Congressional District. Bryce, who lost to Steil in 2018, is running on protecting Social Security, expanding healthcare access, supporting unions, and criticizing trade policies that have hurt manufacturing. He accused Steil of neglecting constituents and siding with billionaires and former President Trump, pledging to fight for working-class families. Steil’s office responded by calling Bryce a 'career radical' and emphasized Steil’s record on border security, reducing costs, and supporting seniors. Bryce is the first Democrat to declare in a race national Democrats view as crucial to regaining the House. The campaign is expected to focus on economic security, healthcare, and contrasting policy approaches.