Nurse Mitchell Berman Wins Democratic Primary in Wisconsin

Emergency room nurse Mitchell Berman won the Democratic primary for Wisconsin's 1st Congressional District on Tuesday, August 12, 2026. Berman secured approximately 44% of the vote to defeat challengers Peter Burgelis, Lorenzo Santos, and Miguel Aranda. He entered the race as the best-funded candidate, supported by endorsements from several Democratic state lawmakers and the United Auto Workers union.

Berman will challenge Republican incumbent U.S. Representative Bryan Steil in the general election on November 3. Although Republicans have held the seat for 30 years, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has targeted the district for the upcoming fall election.

Suzan DelBene, Chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, criticized Representative Steil as a "creature of Washington" who prioritizes wealthy donors over Wisconsin families.