What is new for Northwoods Drifter in 2026
Rhinelander voters will get a chance to hear directly from three Democratic candidates vying to represent Wisconsin’s 7th Congressional District at an upcoming forum next month. Northern Lights Indivisible is hosting the event March 3rd at the Pines Event Center, running from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.
The forum features Ginger Murray, Chris Armstrong, and Fred Clark — all competing in what’s shaping up to be a rare open-seat race in a district that’s been solidly Republican for over a decade.
Wisconsin’s 7th Congressional District isn’t just big — it’s massive. Covering nearly 19,000 square miles across 20 counties, it’s larger than Denmark and includes much of the Northwoods region we call home.
The seat opened up after Tom Tiffany announced his gubernatorial campaign, creating the first competitive race here since 2010. For 15 years, Republicans have held this district, but the departure of an incumbent brings fresh energy and new possibilities.
The Northwoods counties — including Oneida, Vilas, and Iron — form the heart of this district. Our concerns about rural broadband, aging infrastructure, and the future of our tourism and forestry economies need representation in Washington.
Fred Clark brings the most legislative experience to the race. The 66-year-old served in the Wisconsin State Assembly from 2009 to 2014 and recently directed Green Fire, an environmental advocacy group. He’s already raised nearly $160,000, showing early momentum in the fundraising race.
Clark’s environmental background resonates in a district home to the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest and countless lakes that drive our tourism economy.
Chris Armstrong works as a computer programmer and emphasizes community protection with a straightforward approach. His tech background could bring fresh perspective on digital infrastructure issues that plague rural areas like ours.
Ginger Murray rounds out the Democratic field as an attorney. Her legal expertise could prove valuable in navigating complex policy challenges facing rural Wisconsin.
The Democratic primary is set for August 11, 2026, with the general election following on November 3rd — giving voters plenty of time to get to know these candidates.
Democrat Dave Obey held this seat for four decades before retiring in 2010. Since then, Republicans like Sean Duffy and Tom Tiffany have dominated, with Tiffany winning by over 25 points in 2024.
But open seats change everything. Without an incumbent, voters reassess what they want from their representative.
The Northwoods faces unique challenges that deserve attention:
These aren’t abstract policy debates — they’re everyday realities for families from Rhinelander to Superior.
Democrats aren’t alone in this race. Four Republicans are competing for their party’s nomination: Michael Alfonso, Jessi Ebben, Kevin Hermening, and Paul Wassgren.
Wassgren, an Ashland lawyer, has self-funded his campaign with $1.5 million, holding $1.4 million cash-on-hand — significantly outpacing all other candidates in fundraising. Hermening serves as Marathon County GOP chair and brings Marine Corps experience to his campaign.
The Republican primary winner will likely enter the general election as the favorite given the district’s conservative lean, but competitive races bring out better candidates and sharper policy discussions.
Forums like this one offer something you can’t get from campaign ads or social media posts — direct interaction with candidates who want to represent you in Congress.
You’ll hear how they approach issues affecting the Northwoods. You can gauge their understanding of rural Wisconsin beyond talking points. And you’ll see how they handle questions from neighbors who know this region inside and out.
The Pines Event Center provides an ideal setting for community dialogue. Located in the heart of the Northwoods, Rhinelander serves as a natural gathering point for voters across Oneida County and beyond.
March is just the beginning. Between now and the August 11th primary, expect more candidate forums, town halls, and campaign stops throughout the district.
For Democrats hoping to flip this seat, the path runs through communities like ours. The Northwoods vote matters, and candidates know it. Pay attention to who shows up, who listens, and who demonstrates real understanding of what makes this region tick.
Whether you lean Democratic, Republican, or somewhere in between, learning about the candidates helps you make informed choices come election day. This open seat represents a chance to shape the future of representation for the largest congressional district in Wisconsin — a district that includes the lakes, forests, and communities we love.
Mark your calendar for March 3rd. Democracy works best when voters show up and ask the hard questions.
Written by
Mike has been coming up or living in the Northwoods since his childhood. He is also an avid outdoorsman, writer and supper club aficionado.
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