Fred Clark Launches Campaign for Wisconsin’s 7th Congressional District Seat in 2026

By David Ballerstein - Marshfield Now!
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Fred Clark, a Democrat from Bayfield County, has announced he is running for Wisconsin’s 7th Congressional District in the 2026 election. Clark appeared on a local “Get to Know” program to introduce himself and outline his background, priorities, and views ahead of the race.

Clark said he has lived in Wisconsin for about 35 years and has spent much of his career working as a forester and land manager across the state. He started his own forestry business in 1995 and worked with both private landowners and government agencies, including the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. His work included logging operations, timber sales, and forest health projects.

During the interview, Clark also highlighted his previous service in the Wisconsin State Legislature, where he represented parts of Sauk, Columbia, and Marquette counties beginning in 2009. He said his work in the Legislature focused on conservation policy and education, while also gaining experience with the broader responsibilities of government. He noted that it has been roughly 12 years since his state service ended and that he is now seeking a federal seat in Congress.

The 7th Congressional District is the largest in Wisconsin and covers the northern third of the state. Clark described the district as stretching from Marshfield north to the Bayfield Peninsula and from western communities such as Hudson and Spooner across to Forest and Florence counties in the east. He said the district includes 26 counties and is largely rural, with communities centered around agriculture, forestry, tourism, and recreation.

Clark said that if elected, he would serve in the U.S. House of Representatives and travel regularly between Washington, D.C., and Wisconsin. He emphasized that representing the district would include listening to residents and acting as an advocate for northern Wisconsin at the federal level.

Among his top priorities, Clark said he wants to support small businesses, family farms, and locally owned manufacturing operations. He pointed to rising production costs and stagnant crop prices as a major challenge for farmers, and said small and mid-sized employers are central to job growth in northern Wisconsin.

Clark also criticized current federal tariff policies, saying frequent changes make it difficult for businesses to plan investments. He said tariffs increase the cost of materials for manufacturers and ultimately lead to higher prices for consumers. He added that soybean farmers have been hit hard by changes in exports to China, with prices falling below the cost of production.

On gun policy, Clark said he is a gun owner and hunter who supports the right to bear arms. At the same time, he said he believes Congress must work to prevent mass shootings and keep high-powered weapons out of the hands of individuals who may pose a danger due to instability or lack of training. He emphasized the need for bipartisan solutions to public safety issues.

Clark said he supports expanded use of renewable energy such as solar, wind, and geothermal power as a way to increase energy independence in Wisconsin. He said renewable energy provides economic opportunities for farmers and landowners, while also offering affordable energy options.

When asked about infrastructure, Clark said federal funding plays an important role in maintaining highways and local road networks. He said reducing federal support would shift more costs to local taxpayers and could affect economic development and quality of life in rural communities.

Clark also discussed federal budget issues, including government shutdowns and healthcare funding. He warned that changes to Affordable Care Act premium credits could lead to rising insurance costs and strain rural healthcare systems. He said Congress should improve its budgeting process to avoid repeated shutdowns and uncertainty.

Campaigning officially through November 2026, Clark said he plans to visit all 26 counties in the district and hold town halls and public events. He encouraged residents to follow his campaign and learn more at his website, clarkforwi.com.
The current seat is held by Rep. Tom Tiffany, who Clark said is planning a run for governor, leaving the congressional position open. Clark stated he welcomes debates and said he is committed to offering voters an alternative focused on bipartisan cooperation and community representation.

Editorial Disclaimer
This article is based on a recorded interview aired by Marshfield Broadcasting on Marshfield Now! as part of the station’s “Get to Know” program series. Marshfield Broadcasting does not endorse any candidate or political party. The interview was conducted for informational purposes only to help voters learn about individuals seeking public office.

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