APPLETON, Wis. (WBAY) - A retired Appleton businessman announced his candidacy in the 2026 race for the 8th Congressional District seat.

Mark Scheffler, the former owner of Appleton Group Wealth Management LLC, said he’s running as a progressive Democrat.

If elected, he would be the first non-Republican to win an election for the 8th District seat since Steve Kagen in 2008.

Mark Scheffler said he hopes to bring the virtues of northeast Wisconsin out to Washington, D.C., campaigning on economic, social, and environmental sustainability.

Mark Scheffler is the second Democrat to enter the 2026 race, joining former Green Bay school board member Rick Crosson on the primary ballot.

The former business owner said he plans to run as a different type of Democrat.

“Northeast Wisconsin is a gar

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