Wisconsin GOP Hopeful Michael Alfonso Launches Congressional Bid with Immigrant Heritage at Forefront
Michael Alfonso, a 25-year-old grandson of Cuban refugees who fled communism, has launched his Republican campaign for Congress in northern Wisconsin. Alfonso’s announcement comes after incumbent Republican Rep. Tom Tiffany decided to pursue a gubernatorial bid for 2026, creating an opening in this solidly Republican district. With a personal narrative deeply rooted in his family’s immigrant experience and traditional Wisconsin values, Alfonso positions himself as a “pro-Trump conservative” dedicated to preserving the American Dream in a region he believes needs continued strong Republican representation.
“I’m running for Congress because Northern Wisconsin needs to continue to have a representative who will truly put our families, communities, and America first,” Alfonso stated in his campaign announcement. His family connections add an interesting dimension to his candidacy – he is the son-in-law of Sean Duffy, who not only serves as transportation secretary in President Trump’s administration but also previously held this same congressional seat for a decade. Alfonso emphasized his Wisconsin upbringing, saying, “I was born and raised with the traditional Wisconsin values of faith, community, and hard work — and now I’m ready to give back to the area that gave so much to me.” His concern that the American Dream is “slipping away” forms a central theme of his campaign message.
Alfonso’s personal story includes working construction and paving roads to help finance his college education, experiences he highlights to connect with working-class voters. In his campaign launch video, he focuses on economic development for the region, stating, “Our district needs to bring in high-paying jobs, so people can plant their roots, raise their families here, and build a future they’re proud of.” This economic message transitions into one of his campaign’s defining themes – a stark warning against what he perceives as growing socialist influences in American politics. His video visually contrasts images of Cuban communist leaders Fidel Castro and Che Guevara with progressive American politicians like Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, creating a direct line between his family’s flight from communism and his political mission today.
The influence of his family’s immigration story permeates Alfonso’s campaign messaging. “My grandparents’ decision to flee communist Cuba to ensure a better life for our family should not be in vain,” he asserts in his video. “The radical left wants to change this country to be what my grandfather, and many before and after him, fled their home countries to escape. We cannot let that happen, and I will fight every day to ensure Wisconsin, and this nation, continue to provide us with the freedoms and opportunities that my grandparents came here for.” This personal connection to the immigrant experience allows Alfonso to frame his conservative policies as a protection of American freedoms rather than simply partisan positions, potentially broadening his appeal.
Alfonso has committed to working with President Trump if elected, focusing on government reform, security, and reducing the cost of living through energy, food, and housing policies. The political landscape appears favorable for a Republican candidate in this district, which Trump won by 22 points in the last presidential election, while Tiffany secured re-election by a comfortable 27-point margin. However, Alfonso faces competition in the Republican primary from conservative businessman and attorney Paul Wassgren and public relations professional Jessi Ebben, suggesting that while the district leans strongly Republican, securing the party’s nomination will require a competitive primary campaign.
The Democratic side of the race is also taking shape, with business owner Chris Armstrong and former state Representative Fred Clark announcing their candidacies for their party’s nomination. Though the district’s recent voting history suggests a significant advantage for the eventual Republican nominee, the open nature of the seat following Tiffany’s decision to run for governor could potentially create a more dynamic race than in recent election cycles. Alfonso’s blend of personal narrative, family connections to both local politics and the Trump administration, and his strong stance against what he characterizes as socialist influences in American politics form the foundation of a campaign clearly aligned with the current direction of the Republican Party while emphasizing his unique personal story.
