Dem Randy Bryce announced he will seek to challenge GOP U.S. Rep. Bryan Steil next fall, which would be a rematch of the 2018 race that he lost by more than 12 points.

“Right now, people all over Wisconsin are raising their voices against this administration’s attacks on Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, veterans benefits and food security – along with the totally brainless trade war that is crushing our farm and manufacturing economy,” Bryce said. “They’re also crying out against those doing nothing to stop Trump, like his puppet Bryan Steil.”

Bryce, an Army veteran and ironworker, originally launched his bid for the southeastern Wisconsin 1st CD against then-House Speaker Paul Ryan. Bryce’s campaign became a national cause for Dems, and he raised more than $8.6 million. 

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Ryan announced on April 11, 2018, that he was dropping his reelection bid, and Steil got into the race. 

Bryce’s fundraising tailed off significantly following Ryan’s decision. Bryce reported nearly $2.2 million in receipts during the first three months of the year. In the second quarter — which included the two weeks before Ryan dropped out — Bryce raised $1.2 million.

Steil’s campaign knocked Bryce as a radical who’s been rejected multiple times by Wisconsin voters. In addition to his congressional bid, Bryce has also run unsuccessfully for the Assembly and Senate.

“While radicals like Bryce continue to try and take our nation backwards, Congressman Bryan Steil has a record of delivering real results,” Steil’s campaign said. “Steil remains focused on securing our border, lowering costs for Wisconsin families, and supporting Wisconsin seniors.”