Alfonso, son-in-law of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, projected to win GOP primary in Wisconsin’s 7th

Michael Alfonso, the son-in-law of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, was projected to win the GOP primary for the open congressional seat in Wisconsin’s 7th Congressional District, according to Decision Desk HQ, as reported by The Hill on Aug. 11-12, 2026.

Alfonso, 26, is a political newcomer who sought the Republican nomination for the seat that became open following Duffy’s departure from the House, setting up a district-level contest intended to keep the seat in Republican hands for the general election.

The Hill reported that Alfonso’s campaign was bolstered by support from President Donald Trump, who has publicly endorsed or backed candidates in Republican contests in recent election cycles, and by Duffy’s involvement given their family relationship and Duffy’s direct connection to the district.

Duffy, who previously represented the district in Congress, has remained a prominent figure in federal transportation policy as Transportation Secretary. His support, combined with the President’s backing, framed Alfonso’s effort as carrying forward the political brand associated with the departing representative.

The primary win sets Alfonso up to advance to the November general election, where the race will shift from intra-party competition to the contest for control of the seat. In Wisconsin’s 7th, that outcome will depend on how voters respond to the contrast between a new Republican nominee and the Democratic or other-party candidate chosen in their respective nomination process.

Election administration details can also affect the timeline after a primary: once the GOP nomination is decided, the campaign phase typically moves toward fundraising and voter outreach ahead of general-election deadlines for absentee and early voting, as well as the final certification of results by election officials.

Neither the Trump-aligned support nor Duffy’s involvement changes the legal status of the nomination process, but it can influence practical factors such as the flow of national party attention, endorsements, and voter targeting as the general election approaches.

If Alfonso’s projection holds after official canvass and certification, he would become the GOP nominee to succeed the open seat, with the district’s next representative determined through the standard general-election process.