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Wausau Today
By the People, for the People
Former Marine Hostage to Launch 7th District Congressional Bid
Kevin Hermening, a Republican and ex-chair of the Marathon County GOP, plans to formally announce his campaign at a local party headquarters.
Feb. 19, 2026 at 4:15pm
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Kevin Hermening, a former U.S. Marine who was held hostage during the 1979 Iran hostage crisis, will formally announce his bid for Wisconsin's 7th Congressional District seat during a campaign stop on Wednesday morning in Kronenwetter. Hermening, a Republican and former chair of the Marathon County GOP, is scheduled to make the announcement at 10:30 a.m. at the Republican Party of Marathon County headquarters.
Why it matters
The 7th District seat is open after U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany, R-Minocqua, launched a bid for governor in 2026. The sprawling northern and central Wisconsin district has been reliably Republican since 2011, making this an important race for the GOP to hold.
The details
Hermening is the founder and owner of Hermening Financial Group, a financial planning firm based in the Wausau area. His military service included 13 years in the U.S. Marine Corps, and he was held captive for 444 days during the Iran hostage crisis. Hermening has run for public office multiple times over the past four decades, including unsuccessful congressional campaigns in 1986 and 1988 against longtime Democratic U.S. Rep. David Obey of Wausau, and a 1990 race for the state Assembly.
- Hermening will formally announce his campaign on Wednesday, February 18, 2026 at 10:30 a.m.
The players
Kevin Hermening
A former U.S. Marine who was held hostage during the 1979 Iran hostage crisis, and is now the founder and owner of Hermening Financial Group, a financial planning firm based in the Wausau area.
Tom Tiffany
The current U.S. Representative for Wisconsin's 7th Congressional District, who is launching a bid for governor in 2026.
Michael Alfonso
A businessman and media producer who is the son-in-law of former U.S. Rep. Sean Duffy, and is also running in the Republican primary for the 7th District seat.
Jessi Ebben
A Republican candidate who launched her campaign for the 7th District seat in 2025.
Paul Wassgren
An attorney who is also running in the Republican primary for the 7th District seat.
What they’re saying
“MAGA Warrior' and a 'young STAR' to represent the district.”
— Donald Trump
What’s next
The Republican primary field for the open seat already includes several candidates, and the race is expected to draw national attention as both parties position themselves for an active primary season in one of Wisconsin's largest congressional districts.
The takeaway
This race for the 7th Congressional District seat in Wisconsin will be a key battleground for the Republican Party as they look to hold onto a reliably conservative district, with a crowded primary field and the potential for national involvement.
