Sawyer County GOP Chair Slams Michael Alfonso's Transportation Lobby Funding

John Righeimer calls the 26-year-old congressional candidate's campaign financing 'sickening' and says he is not ready for the position.

Mar. 14, 2026 at 2:40am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The chairman of the Sawyer County Republican Party, John Righeimer, has criticized Michael Alfonso's campaign for the 7th congressional district, calling his funding from the transportation lobby 'sickening'. Righeimer says the 26-year-old Alfonso, who is the son-in-law of former congressman Sean Duffy, has 'minimal life experience and job experience' and is being 'force-fed' to the district through Duffy's connections and a Trump endorsement. Righeimer supports other candidates in the race, including Paul Wassgren and Kevin Hermening, who he says are more qualified.

Why it matters

Righeimer's comments highlight the divisions within the Republican party in the 7th district race, where Alfonso is seen by some as being pushed forward by establishment forces rather than earning the nomination on his own merits. The role of money from special interests and political connections is also a key issue in the race.

The details

According to the report, Alfonso's campaign finance records show he has raised over $50,000 from registered lobbyists and over $60,000 from individuals in senior financial services roles. Nearly half of his PAC donations have come from transportation industry groups like Delta Airlines, roadbuilders, General Motors, and Lockheed Martin. Righeimer alleges that Duffy, who is now Transportation Secretary, is using his connections to help funnel this money to Alfonso's campaign.

  • Alfonso joined the Sawyer County GOP on January 2, 2026, according to the county party treasurer.
  • The 7th district GOP caucus, where the party will vote on an endorsement, is scheduled for March 14, 2026.

The players

John Righeimer

The chairman of the Sawyer County Republican Party, who has held the position for five years and is also a county supervisor.

Michael Alfonso

The 26-year-old congressional candidate for the 7th district, who is the son-in-law of former congressman Sean Duffy.

Sean Duffy

The former congressman whose campaign committee funneled $1 million into a PAC supporting Alfonso's campaign. Duffy is now the Transportation Secretary.

Paul Wassgren

A corporate lawyer who Righeimer supports as a candidate, citing Wassgren's business experience and economic development expertise.

Kevin Hermening

A former Iranian hostage, former Marathon County GOP chair, and businessman who Righeimer also praises as a candidate.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It's sickening. He's using the money Sean raised back when he was running for Congress. He's (Duffy's) using his connections as transportation secretary to get Delta Airlines money. I think it's disgusting. What do these people want in return?”

— John Righeimer, Sawyer County GOP Chair

“Early on, when this discussion about Michael running came about, I said, 'This is ridiculous, a 25-year-old is not prepared for this; why doesn't he run for a local board or even Assembly, and even then that might be too early.' He said people remarked 'that's beneath Sean and Rachel's paygrade. It's so repulsive to me.'”

— John Righeimer, Sawyer County GOP Chair

What’s next

The 7th district GOP caucus on March 14 will be a key moment, as the party decides whether to endorse a candidate. There is debate over the rules and process for the caucus vote, with Righeimer alleging some are trying to change the rules to make it harder for a single candidate to win the endorsement.

The takeaway

This race highlights the tensions within the Republican party, as establishment-backed candidates like Alfonso face challenges from more grassroots-oriented candidates like Wassgren and Hermening. The role of money and political connections in the race is a central issue, with Righeimer accusing Alfonso's campaign of being 'force-fed' to the district.