Paul Wassgren has dropped out of the four-candidate Republican field running for outgoing U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany’s 7th Congressional District seat. (Source: Wassgren for Congress website, via Wisconsin Public Radio)

The crowded Republican primary for Wisconsin’s 7th Congressional District seat got smaller Tuesday, as GOP candidate Paul Wassgren of Ashland announced he’s suspending his campaign.

In a statement, Wassgren said he’s dropping out of the race “to assist Republican efforts throughout Wisconsin” and expand his “involvement with the Catholic Church.” As a businessman and corporate attorney, he said his campaign “has never been about a position or a paycheck for me.”

“While I have the resources and message to win this race and be a fierce advocate for our district in Congress, I recognize that a bloody and highly expensive primary will only benefit the Democrats,” Wassgren said. “In light of the Spring election results, I call on all Republicans, including candidates, to prioritize the interests of the Republican Party and the State of Wisconsin.”

Conservatives suffered a 20-point loss in the April Supreme Court race, leaving many in the GOP searching for who to blame. Wassgren said he’ll be playing an active role supporting current 7th District Republican U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany’s run for governor.

Wassgren has been self-funding his campaign with more than $1 million in personal loans, but his latest finance report shows he repaid most of the money.

He touted his business and legal experience during his run, but was named in a $44 million settlement in 2023 tied to a lawsuit alleging the company he worked for engaged in a “Ponzi scheme.”

Wassgren’s departure leaves three other Republicans — Michael Alfonso, Jessi Ebben and Kevin Hermening — in the GOP primary. Alfonso is the 26-year-old son-in-law of U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, a former congressman from the 7th District. He’s already been endorsed by President Donald Trump.

Democrats in the 7th District race include former Democratic state Rep. Fred Clark, Ginger Murray and Chris Armstrong.

The 7th Congressional District in Wisconsin covers much of northern Wisconsin, including Florence, Forest, Vilas and Iron counties bordering the Upper Peninsula.