The American dream that once inspired his grandparents, two Cubans who fled communism, now drives 25-year-old Michael Alfonso to seek a seat in the U.S. Congress.
Announcing his candidacy has caught the attention of major U.S. outlets like Fox News, Dryden Wire, and The Daily Reporter, intertwining politics, family history, and the profound impact of Cuban exile.
Alfonso, identified as a "pro-Trump conservative," has launched his campaign to represent Wisconsin's 7th Congressional District, a predominantly Republican and rural area.
In a conversation with Fox News, he expressed that his choice is motivated by a dedication to "putting families, communities, and America first," deeply influenced by his grandparents' narrative, who "escaped communist Cuba in search of freedom."
"My grandparents' decision must not be in vain," Alfonso asserted in statements to Dryden Wire, emphasizing that his campaign is also a tribute to a generation of Cubans marked by displacement:
"My grandparents' choice to flee communist Cuba and secure a better life for our family should not be in vain. (...) I will fight every day to ensure that Wisconsin, and this nation, continue to offer the freedoms and opportunities my grandparents sought here."
The aspiring politician has not hesitated to use images of Fidel Castro and Che Guevara in his campaign video, warning of what he perceives as the threats of "socialism" to American youth.
In the same video, he contrasts these Cuban figures with progressive politicians like Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, suggesting that when young people "cannot advance," they end up listening to "the lies of socialism."
Beyond highlighting his Cuban heritage, Alfonso also shares his work background. He funded his studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison by working long hours in construction. "Ten hours a day building houses, paving roads, and mixing concrete," he stated.
His electoral platform now mixes typical rural conservative topics like cost of living, taxes, and farm protection, with a cautionary message that freedom is fragile and must be protected.
An Established Name in Republican Politics
His candidacy is also bolstered by a strong political connection, as Alfonso is the son-in-law of Sean Duffy, the former Secretary of Transportation under President Donald Trump and former representative of the same district Alfonso aims to serve.
The 7th District became open after current Congressman Tom Tiffany announced his intention to run for the Republican nomination for governor in 2026, as reported by The Daily Reporter.
Alfonso will face off in the primaries against two other Republicans, businessman Paul Wassgren and public relations specialist Jessi Ebben. On the Democratic side, candidates like former assemblyman Fred Clark have already declared their intentions.
Michael Alfonso's Congressional Run: Key Questions
What motivates Michael Alfonso to run for Congress?
Michael Alfonso is driven by a commitment to prioritize families, communities, and the nation, influenced by his grandparents' escape from communist Cuba in search of freedom.
Who is Michael Alfonso competing against in the primaries?
In the primaries, Alfonso faces businessman Paul Wassgren and public relations specialist Jessi Ebben.
How does Alfonso's campaign video portray socialism?
His campaign video uses images of Fidel Castro and Che Guevara to warn of the perceived dangers of socialism, contrasting these figures with progressive politicians in the U.S.