Influx of candidates consider run for seat held by ex-roofer Ribble

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — U.S. Rep. Reid Ribble’s unexpected announcement that he won’t seek re-election has sparked a flood of interest from possible candidates for the 8th District seat.

State Rep. John Nygren, a Marinette Republican, state Sen. Frank Lasee, a De Pere Republican, state Sen. Roger Roth, a Republican from Appleton, state Rep. David Steffen, a Republican from Green Bay, and Outagamie County Executive Tom Nelson, a Democrat, have all said they are considering running.

Other prominent elected officials from the district are being discussed as possible candidates, including former Rep. Chad Weininger, a Republican from Green Bay. He did not return a voicemail seeking comment.

Ribble, a three-term Republican from Sherwood, said Saturday he won’t seek re-election because he wants more family time.