Randy Bryce, union ironworker, drops out of Wisconsin congressional race

Randy Bryce, a progressive union leader who was running for Wisconsin’s First Congressional District, is suspending his 2026 campaign. 

Bryce cited “family issues” to the Milwaukee Courier that will not allow him to “give 150%” in the race. Bryce didn’t turn in nomination signatures before the June 1 deadline. 

The race is for incumbent Republican U.S. Rep. Bryan Steil’s seat. Steil was recently in the news for touting funding for lead reduction in drinking water but actually voted against the bill.

This district includes southeastern Wisconsin, including part of Milwaukee County (Cudahy, St. Francis, Oak Creek and South Milwaukee).

Bryce said he would only back a Democratic nominee that lives in the district, meaning he wouldn’t support Milwaukee Ald. Peter Burgelis, who does not live in the district. 

Burgelis didn’t respond to a request for comment. He has turned in nomination signatures before the deadline. 

The other candidates in the race are Mitchell Berman, Miguel Aranda and Lorenzo Santos.

Bryce ran for Congress against Steil in 2018, losing by about 40,000 votes.