APPLETON, Wis. [Aug. 26, 2025] — Mark Scheffler, a lifelong Wisconsin resident, retired business owner and community leader, has today announced his candidacy for the U.S. House of Representatives in Wisconsin’s 8th Congressional District. Running as a Progressive Democrat, Scheffler has pledged to run a different kind of campaign — one he says will be free from corporate PAC money, special interest influence and party machine funding.
He has pledged to commit to a budget of $5 per voter — approximately $2.1 million in total — with 90% of all funds spent locally in the district. This includes hiring a local campaign manager, using in-district vendors for campaign materials and organizing events rooted in the local communities of Northeast Wisconsin.
Scheffler’s platform is built on a ‘prosperity economy’ grounded in economic, social and environmental sustainability — driving his commitment not only to progressive policy staples like ending gerrymandering and supporting local businesses, but also bold reforms such as modernizing the tax code and curbing urban sprawl.
Scheffler emphasized that winning the Congressional district will require building broad coalitions and has committed to reaching across the political divide for support.
Mark Scheffler said:
“My campaign will be powered by people — by neighbors, friends and everyday voters who believe our democracy is worth the effort it takes to fix it.”
“We will run on ideas, not insults, and focus on the values that matter most to people here in Northeast Wisconsin: honesty, fairness and stewardship.”
“But we won’t win this race by talking only to the people who already agree with us. That is why I will actively engage with open-minded conservatives — especially farmers, business owners and working families — because building a sustainable future requires all of us.”
“This campaign belongs to us — not to Washington, not to distant corporations, not to billionaires and not to a national political machine. Let’s prove that integrity, unity and good ideas still win in America. And let’s start right here in Northeast Wisconsin.”
