GREEN BAY, Wis. — Dr. Kristin Lyerly, the 2024 Democratic nominee for Wisconsin’s 8th Congressional District, an OB/GYN doctor and longtime healthcare advocate, today endorsed Retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel Rick Crosson in the August 11 Democratic primary.

Lyerly, who carried the Democratic banner in the district last cycle and remains one of the most recognized voices on healthcare and reproductive freedom, said her endorsement was rooted in Crosson’s character, judgment, and lifetime of service.

“I don’t give political endorsements lightly,” Lyerly said. “As a physician, I’ve spent my career making decisions that require trust, careful judgment, and putting people first. Those same qualities matter in public service. I’ve gotten to know Rick, and what stands out isn’t only what he says, it’s how he treats people. He listens and leads with humility. And he never loses sight of who he’s here to serve. I trust his character, his judgment, and his heart for Northeast Wisconsin. I hope you’ll join me.”

Crosson thanked Lyerly for the endorsement and for the ground she covered in 2024.

“Kristin ran a campaign in this district that showed what is possible when a candidate leads with integrity and shows up everywhere,” Crosson said. “She earned trust across all corners of the district, and she is trusted for good reason. To have her support heading into Tuesday means a great deal to me and to this campaign. We are going to keep doing the work she believes in.”

A Growing Coalition Across the 8th District

Lyerly’s endorsement joins a growing slate of elected officials, community leaders, organizers, and veterans backing Crosson ahead of Tuesday’s primary. Recent endorsements include:

State Rep. Amaad Rivera-Wagner (Assembly District 90): “Rick Crosson has spent a lifetime answering the call to serve. As a veteran and former school board member, he has always put people before politics. Here in Green Bay, we believe in taking care of one another. Those are the values Rick will bring to Congress, and I’m proud to endorse him.”

State Rep. Lee Snodgrass (Assembly District 52): “My experience with Rick has revealed a selfless, thoughtful, and principled man driven by a lifetime of service to others. Rick listens to understand, which will make him an excellent public servant. I look forward to voting for Rick Crosson in the August 11 primary.”

Mayor James E. Winter (Algoma, WI): “Colonel Crosson is the only candidate, on either side of the aisle, in the race for Wisconsin’s 8th Congressional seat who has put his life on the line for his ideals and that of the United States and its citizens. As a US Army Combat Aviation veteran myself, I know the value of having competent leaders to represent us. Rick represents the best of us.”

Endorsements include:

Ellen Voie, Women in Trucking Association Founder

James Lyerly, Green Bay Area Public School Board President

Mary Lou Yang, Green Bay Area  Public School Board Trustee

Andrea Gage, Brown County Board Supervisor

Carla Hales, Outagamie County Board Supervisor

Lynn Gerlach, Former Alder, City of Green Bay and Former Green Bay Area Public School Board Trustee

Alicia Saunders, Candidate, State Assembly District 2

Laura Laitinen-Warren, PhD, PHR, Executive Human Resource Director, Oneida Nation and former Green Bay Area Public School Board Trustee 

Mark Smith, USAF (Ret.) Flight Medic, 1971 to 1975

John Koehler, USMC (Ret.), 1969 to 1972

The full list of endorsements is available at rickcrosson.com/endorsements/

Meet Rick Before Tuesday

With five days until the primary, Crosson is finishing the campaign the way he started it: on the ground, in the district, meeting voters face to face. Upcoming events across WI-08 include:

  • Town Hall with Kelda Roys— Friday, August 7th from 1:30 PM to 3 PM — Vintage Rose Bakery, 1680 Mid Valley Drive, De Pere
  • Packers Family Night Tailgate with Kelda Roys — Friday, August 7th at 3:30 PM — Lambeau Field, Lot 5 
  • Meet & Greet in Shawano with David Crowley — Saturday, August 8th at 10 AM — Shawano-Menominee Counties Democratic Party Office, located at 420 E. Green Bay Street, Suite 107, Shawano
  • Annual Democratic Party of Kewaunee Picnic  — Sunday, August 9th at 12 PM to 3 PM — Heritage Park (Marina), Algoma

The full event schedule and RSVP information is available at rickcrosson.com/events/

How to Vote

Wisconsin’s primary election is Tuesday, August 11, 2026. Polls are open from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Voters can find their polling place, check their registration, and confirm what to bring to the polls at MyVote.wi.gov.

Rick Crosson is a retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel with 20 years of service and a Democratic candidate for Congress in Wisconsin’s 8th Congressional District. He comes from a multi-generational military family. The August 11, 2026 primary is the first contested Democratic primary in WI-08 in 20 years. More information is available at RickCrosson.com.