TOMAHAWK – Two northern Wisconsin lawmakers say they will not run in 2026 for the 7th Congressional District seat being vacated by U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany as he makes a bid for governor.
State Sen. Mary Felzkowski (R-Tomahawk) and state Rep. Calvin Callahan (R-Tomahawk) each said they will fill out the terms of their current positions.
Mary Felzkowski
Callahan said it’s been an honor to have so many supporters believe in his leadership and “commitment to shared values.”
“I’m deeply humbled and grateful for the incredible outpouring of encouragement and support I’ve received from friends, neighbors and community members across northern Wisconsin urging me to run for Congress,” he said.
“After careful thought and conversations with friends and family, I’ve decided to not seek election to Congress at this time,” he said. “There is still work to be done in Madison.”
Callahan said representing the hardworking people of his district is one of the greatest honors “of my life.”
“I remain focused on making the Northwoods a great place to live, work and raise your families,” he said.
Felzkowski said she plans to remain in her role as state senator for Wisconsin’s 12th District.
“I have spent my entire life in Wisconsin’s Northwoods, growing up working on my family’s Christmas tree farm, raising my children and running a small business,” she said. “I love the Northwoods and representing the people of northern Wisconsin in Madison is a true honor.”
Callahan
Felzkowski said after months of “thought, prayer and discussions with my husband, I have decided to not seek higher office.”
“This is not the right time for my family,” she said, adding that “there’s a lot of work still to be done in Wisconsin. I look forward to continuing to fight for a brighter future in our state.”
Felzkowski, who served in the state Assembly from 2012 to 2020 and since in the state Senate and has been Senate president since January, said she is grateful for those who reached out with support and encouragement over the past months.
“I make this decision knowing that the Northwoods will continue to have strong representation in both Washington, D.C. and Madison,” she said.
