Rhinelander, WI — The Forward Party announced today that it has endorsed Niina Baum, Republican candidate for Wisconsin’s 7th Congressional District.

The Forward Party endorses candidates across the political spectrum based on their commitment to public service and responsive governance. It was co-founded by Christine Todd Whitman, the former Republican Governor of New Jersey and EPA Administrator under President George W. Bush.

“Forward’s mission is to support leaders who put problem solving and effective representation ahead of partisan incentives,” said Lindsey Drath, CEO of the Forward Party. The organization cited Baum’s record of community service and her focus on representing the people she is seeking to serve.

“As a principles-first Republican, this endorsement is about how I have run this campaign from day one, by putting the people in this district ahead of special interest priorities,” said Baum.

Baum was born on a Wisconsin dairy farm and raised in the 7th Congressional District. She is the founder of Valo Media, serves on the Board of the Rhinelander Rotary Club and as a Planning Commissioner for the Town of Crescent, and co-founded Northwoods Young Professionals to help retain young talent in rural Wisconsin. She has organized community events generating more than $500,000 in regional economic impact, served as an adjunct professor and business mentor at a local technical college, helped establish the Hodag Snack Attack program providing food to Rhinelander area elementary students, and serves on the board of the United States Federation of Sleddog Sports after representing Team USA in World Championship competition.

Baum has pledged to accept no corporate PAC money. She was the first candidate in the district to secure ballot access and in July completed a 400 mile bike tour through nine counties of WI-07.

The 7th Congressional District Republican caucus voted this year not to endorse a candidate in the primary, leaving no party endorsement available to any of the five Republicans in the race.

“Polarization has pushed people out of both parties. According to L2 voter file data, more than a third of voters in this district identify with neither,” said Baum. “They are not lost to us. They want a someone who will put people first over special interest extreme ideologies.”

Baum is running in the August 11th Republican primary for Wisconsin’s 7th Congressional District.

For more information visit baumforwisconsin.com.