Peter Barca, a seasoned Democratic politician with a history in both state and national politics, has officially announced his campaign to represent Wisconsin’s 1st Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. Barca, who previously served as a U.S. Representative for the district in the 1990s, is seeking to unseat Republican incumbent Bryan Steil in the upcoming election. This move marks Barca’s return to electoral politics after recently stepping down from his role as secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Revenue.
Barca chose Apple Holler in Racine County as the venue for his campaign launch on Thursday afternoon. Surrounded by family and supporters, he articulated his vision for the district and the nation. His core message centered on bolstering the middle class, enhancing access to quality healthcare, improving the lives of senior citizens, ensuring public safety, and championing environmental protection for future generations.
Peter Barca announcing his congressional campaign at Apple Holler, Wisconsin, emphasizing his commitment to the district.
“We need to grow, we need to expand the middle class, we need to improve access to quality health care, we need to improve the quality of life for senior citizens and all people, we need to make sure our streets are safe, we need to make sure that we protect the environment for my grandkids and everybody else’s grandkids for generations to come,” Barca stated, outlining key pillars of his campaign platform.
Barca brings a wealth of political experience to this congressional bid. Beyond his prior term in the U.S. House (1993-1995), he served nine terms in the Wisconsin State Assembly, including a period as Democratic minority leader before resigning from that leadership position in 2017. His long tenure in Wisconsin politics provides him with a deep understanding of the state’s issues and electorate.
In his announcement, Peter Barca emphasized a need to move beyond partisan divisions that he believes are currently hindering progress for Wisconsin families. He positioned himself as a leader who will prioritize the needs of his constituents, asserting, “Now, more than ever, Wisconsin families are being left behind by partisan politics and that’s sad. They need a leader who will stand up for them, and I have done that time and time again.” This statement suggests a campaign focused on pragmatic solutions and cross-party appeal.
Bryan Steil, the Republican incumbent Peter Barca is challenging for Wisconsin’s 1st Congressional District seat.
Bryan Steil, the Republican incumbent whom Peter Barca is challenging, was first elected to the 1st Congressional District in 2018. He assumed office after Paul Ryan, the former Speaker of the House, chose not to seek reelection. Steil currently holds positions on the House Financial Services Committee and chairs the Committee on House Administration.
Responding to Peter Barca’s campaign announcement, Republican spokespersons swiftly framed Barca as out of touch with the district. Mike Marinella, representing the National Republican Congressional Committee, claimed Barca’s policies were “too extreme” for Southeast Wisconsin. Similarly, Matt Fisher, spokesperson for the Republican Party of Wisconsin, dismissed Barca as a “career politician with an abysmal record.”
However, Peter Barca refuted the “too extreme” label, describing himself as a “pro-business, fiscally conservative Democrat” who aligns well with the district’s political landscape. This self-description aims to preemptively counter Republican attacks and appeal to a broader range of voters within the 1st District.
Peter Barca and former State Senator Julie Lassa, highlighting Barca’s long history in Wisconsin politics.
Peter Barca also garnered immediate support from key figures within the Wisconsin Democratic sphere. Mahlon Mitchell, president of the Wisconsin Professional Fire Fighters of Wisconsin, voiced strong endorsement, stating, “We stand with Peter Barca, because we know he stands with us and he stands with the working men of this great state, this great district and he’s proven it time and time again with his work.” This union endorsement signals potential strong support from organized labor for Barca’s campaign.
The Wisconsin 1st Congressional District is anticipated to be a closely contested race in 2024. Recent redistricting has made the district more competitive, increasing Democratic hopes of flipping the seat. While Bryan Steil won his 2020 reelection with nearly 60 percent of the vote and 54 percent in 2022 after redistricting, the changing political dynamics and Barca’s challenge could make this election significantly tighter.
Congressman Bryan Steil addressing supporters at a rally in Janesville, Wisconsin, underscoring the political contest in the 1st District.
Besides Steil and Barca, the race for the 1st Congressional District includes other candidates, such as Lorenzo Santos and Anthony Hammes. The primary election is scheduled for August 13, setting the stage for a potentially dynamic and closely watched general election in November. Peter Barca’s campaign will focus on key Democratic priorities, including middle-class growth, reproductive rights, voting rights, and the protection of Social Security and Medicare, as he seeks to convince voters in Wisconsin’s 1st District to send him back to Congress.
