Alfonso makes stops in Merrill ahead of primary, Duffy attends event for Alfonso and Callahan

Michael Alfonso made several appearances in the Merrill area this past weekend, in advance of the Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026, Primary Election. Alfonso, who is running as part of the Republican Party, is campaigning to become the next U.S. representative for Wisconsin’s 7th Congressional District. Incumbent Tom Tiffany, who has held the position since 2020, is running for Wisconsin governor.
Alfonso, who is campaigning as a self-described “America First Republican” and was endorsed by President Trump in January of this year, appeared at the Lincoln County Fair on Saturday afternoon, Aug. 8, and also participated in the Lincoln County Fair Butter Carving Competition.
On Sunday, Aug. 9, he made a campaign stop at Rock Island Bar on Hwy. 107 north of Merrill as part of a meet-and-greet fundraiser.
Alfonso is running as a conservative. He said he will “fight for the people of Wisconsin’s 7th Congressional District, protect our way of life, and always put America First.”
“It was incredible to be at The Rock surrounded by so many Wisconsin patriots who are fired up and ready to send America First leadership to Congress to represent WI-7,” Alfonso said. “I’m proud to have President Trump’s endorsement and the support of so many hardworking people across our beautiful district as we fight for a new generation of conservative leadership and defend the American Dream for generations to come.”

In the 7th Congressional District, five Republicans were competing to be on the November ballot: Michael Alfonso, Jessi Ebben, Kevin Hermening, Don Raihala, and Niina Baum.
Calvin Callahan of Tomahawk, current 35th District representative to the Wisconsin State Assembly, was also at the Lincoln County Fair talking with constituents and participated in Friday’s Lincoln County Fair Butter Carving Competition, in addition to participating in the Rock Island Bar event.
Alfonso is also the son-in-law of U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy, who represented the 7th Congressional District from 2011 to 2019.
Duffy made an appearance at the Rock Island Bar event in Merrill to support Alfonso in his campaign and also supported Callahan’s bid for re-election in November. Incumbent Callahan will face off against Elizabeth McCrank of Merrill in the November election.
“It was powerful to have former congressman and Secretary Sean Duffy in Merrill backing both Alfonso for Congress and the work we’re doing here at home in the 35th,” Callahan said. “It’s clear we are on the radar and are a priority.”