Appleton, WI — January 21, 2026 — Mark Scheffler, a congressional candidate in Wisconsin’s 8th District and self-described “Different Kind of Democrat,” today announced the launch of A Democrat in the Lion’s Den, a bold new series of town halls held intentionally in rural areas across the district.
The series will consist of open, no-holds-barred town halls designed specifically to invite conservatives, independents, and rural voters to ask questions, challenge ideas, and speak freely about the issues that matter most to them.
“Our politics won’t get better until our leaders are willing to show up everywhere and listen to everyone,” said Scheffler. “That means not just talking to people who already agree with you, but standing in the heart of communities where Democrats often don’t go — and earning trust the hard way.”
Five Lion’s Den events are already scheduled, beginning in Oconto, followed by Marinette, Shawano, Waupaca, and concluding in Winneconne. Additional events will be announced as the series expands.
Each town hall will follow a simple rule: say anything, ask anything. Attendees are encouraged to raise issues ranging from rural economic challenges and farming policy to taxes, capitalism, healthcare costs, and concerns about the direction of national politics.
“I want farmers to ask about my plan to support rural Wisconsin,” Scheffler said. “I want small business owners to ask how we can cut taxes and reduce health insurance and compliance costs. I want conservatives to ask me directly about my support for responsible capitalism. No scripts. No filters.”
Scheffler said the motivation behind the series is rooted in his belief that leadership requires courage, presence, and accountability.
“Real leadership isn’t comfortable,” he said. “It means showing up, listening intently, and being willing to say what you believe — even when the room might disagree with you. That’s what I expect from a member of Congress, and it’s what I’m committed to doing.”
Scheffler emphasized that the goal of A Democrat in the Lion’s Den is not simply to generate debate, but to rebuild trust and demonstrate that common-sense policies can deliver tangible benefits to all Wisconsinites. A full schedule of dates, times, and locations is available at: https://mark4wi.info/lions-den/
