Post Eight

Beck announces intention to run against Fitzgerald for District 5 seat

West Bend Daily News

By Grayson Sewell - Daily News Staff

April 17, 2024

WEST BEND — The fall election is months away, but candidates will need to turn in ballot access paperwork by June 3. Ahead of that deadline Washington County resident Andrew Beck has announced his intention to run for the U.S. House of Representatives District 5 seat, currently held by U.S. Rep. Scott Fitzgerald, in the November election.

According to Beck, who will be running as a Democrat, he decided to enter the race because of the current political climate in the country. "It just doesn’t seem like anything is getting done," said Beck. "For the 5th District I thought I could probably do a better job than the person in there right now, so I’ve decided instead of complaining about it, I would go run myself."

Currently, Beck said that he is just getting his campaign off the ground by getting his name out to the public and asking for contributions to his campaign, as he only decided to run about a month-and-a-half ago.

Beck said his campaign platform includes women’s access to legal abortion, protecting Social Security and to protect democracy.

"I am looking to try and fight for women, especially their health care needs and making sure that they are in charge of them and can make all decisions in regards to reproductive care, contraception and abortion," said Beck. “I really don’t think the government should be stepping in there and making any of those decisions or restricting anybody of making those decisions themselves."

He said he would protect the county’s senior population by voting against any bill that decreases Social Security benefits, increases the age to receive Social Security or cuts back on Medicare.

“Lastly, just protecting democracy,” said Beck. “It’s very fragile as it is right now, we’re still working on the experiment of democracy.”

Beck, a salesman with Florida-based HT Global Circuits currently, has no prior elected experience.

“I was looking at where the Democratic Party was now in the 5th District, and really throwing my hat in there,” said Beck. “This is all kind of new to me, but I have passion.”

Beck said he chose to run for U.S. Congress in his first election because he would like to make a difference on the federal level.

“Right now, looking at local offices and state offices, I think there are some good candidates out there,” said Beck. “But I’m really looking to make a difference for the U.S. through working with the constituents in the district, but also working with higher-level decision makers.”

On April 15, Beck and all candidates in the 2024 fall election will begin gathering signatures to be able to run for office in November. If another Democratic candidate announces and files nomination papers for the 5th District, a primary election will be held in August.

“I really plan on being around and hopefully talking to a lot of people in the 5th District,” said Beck.

Fitzgerald issued the following statement in response to Beck’s announcement: “No matter who my opponent might be, I look forward to running an aggressive campaign for re-election focusing on securing our borders, fighting back against Joe Biden’s failed economic policies, strengthening our global position and making sure our government is working for the American people. Now is a time for bold leadership. I look forward to hearing from the voters of the 5th Congressional District as I hit the campaign trail.”