Jim Banks supports Trump-backed candidate in Wisconsin to succeed Gallagher

EXCLUSIVE — A Green Bay businessman is continuing to garner support from Republicans after being endorsed by former President Donald Trump, giving him a boost as he seeks to replace former Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-WI), who resigned from the House last month.

Rep. Jim Banks (R-IN) backed Tony Wied for his bid to represent Wisconsin’s 8th Congressional District, making him the latest GOP lawmaker to endorse the businessman’s bid. Wied has also been endorsed by Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) and Gov. Doug Burgum (R-ND).

“I am proud to join President Trump in endorsing Tony Wied for Wisconsin’s 8th Congressional District,” Banks said in a statement. “He is the America First outsider, successful businessman, and true conservative in the race.”

In his campaign bid, Wied has echoed a similar platform to Trump and other America First allies, focusing much of his rhetoric on the southern border and the economy.

“Our border is under siege with drugs and criminals just pouring in unchecked,” Wied said in his announcement speech. “Our national debt is crippling, and it’s growing by the second. I am doing this job to serve, to make a difference, to secure our border, to get our spending under control, and to give our next president, Donald J. Trump, an ally he’ll need in Congress to deliver the change Wisconsin voters so desperately want.”

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The latest endorsement could give Weid a major boost as he faces at least two other candidates for the House seat, including state Sen. Andre Jacque and former state Sen. Roger Roth. The seat is expected to lean Republican, meaning the winner of the GOP primary in August will be favored to win the seat in November.

Whoever wins the primary is likely to face Kristin Lyerly, who is the only Democrat running so far. The seat is rated as “Solid Republican” by the nonpartisan Cook Political Report.