Democrat Randy Bryce secured the Democratic nomination in the race to replace outgoing House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., in Wisconsin’s 1st Congressional District on Tuesday night.
Democrats are eager to flip the red seat in their quest to retake the House majority. Bryce, a union organizer and iron worker, gained national attention when he launched his campaign to challenge Ryan, relentlessly attacking the Republican for failing to stand up to President Trump. Democratic presidential candidates have carried the congressional district at times, even during Ryan’s tenure.
When Ryan announced his plan to retire after the 2018 midterm elections, some within the Democratic Party questioned Bryce’s ability to maintain momentum without the speaker as a target. Democrat Cathy Myers hoped the increasing support for female candidates would boost her chances of beating Bryce in the primary, but she fell short.
Bryce will face Republican businessman Bryan Steil, a former Ryan aide, in November.
