Democrat Peter Barca launches 1st Congressional Bid

 

MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Peter Barca, a former Democratic congressman from Kenosha, is launching another bid for Congress.

During a campaign kickoff event in Sturtevant, Barca announced he's running against Republican Bryan Steil for Wisconsin's 1st Congressional District on Thursday.

Barca said he's running "to stand up for working families" and will "fight like hell" for the middle-class.

"If you have the honor of representing people, your first obligation is to go to bat for them and to try and get things done," Barca said. "We have a do nothing, dysfunction congress. We have so many important issues that need to be addressed."

Barca, who served in the state Legislature for nearly two decades and most recently as Gov. Tony Evers’ revenue secretary, is the most well-known Democrat to enter the race.

Health care, lowering prescription drugs, immigration and expanding the workforce were a few issues Barca said he wants to work on if elected. 

His announcement comes as the southeastern district, that covers parts of Rock, Milwaukee, Kenosha, Racine, and most of Walworth County, has become a target of Democrats nationally as they seek to regain a majority in the House.

While the district leans Republican, it's became more competitive under the new congressional maps enacted in 2022.

"I've always been a pro-business, fiscally conservative Democrat," Barca said "I fit the district perfectly in my estimation."

In a statement, Steil's campaign knocked Barca for his views on immigration.

"Barca voted to protect sanctuary cities…for 40 years, Barca has put his political career ahead of working families," the campaign said in a statement.

Barca last served in congress from 1993 to 1995 before returning to the state Assembly in 2009. He also served as Assembly Minority Leader 2011-2017. Afterwards he was tapped by Evers to serve as revenue secretary, a job he left earlier this month.

Lorenzo Santos, the Racine County Emergency Management deputy coordinator and a Navy Reserve intelligence officer, along with health care professional Diane Anderson.