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2020 Wisconsin's 7th congressional district special election

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2020 Wisconsin's 7th congressional district special election
← 2018 May 12, 2020 November 2020 →
Wisconsin's 7th congressional district
 
Nominee Tom Tiffany Tricia Zunker
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 109,594 81,955
Percentage 57.2% 42.8%
County results
Tiffany:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%
Zunker:      60–70%
U.S. Representative before election

Sean Duffy
Republican

Elected U.S. Representative

Tom Tiffany
Republican

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A special election was held to fill the remainder of the term in the United States House of Representatives for Wisconsin's 7th congressional district in the 116th United States Congress. Sean Duffy, the incumbent representative, announced his resignation effective September 23, 2019, as his wife was about to give birth to a child with a heart condition.[1] Governor Tony Evers chose January 27, 2020, as the date for the special election, with the primaries scheduled for December 30, 2019.[2] However, the Department of Justice said that this schedule would be in violation of federal law, since it would provide insufficient time for overseas and military voters to receive ballots. Evers then rescheduled the primaries for February 18, 2020, and the general election for May 12, 2020.[3][4]

Republican primary

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Candidates

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Nominee

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Eliminated in primary

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  • Jason Church, U.S. Army Veteran and former staffer for U.S. Senator Ron Johnson[7]

Failed to qualify

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  • Michael Opela Jr., businessman and farmer[8][9]

Declined

[edit]

Endorsements

[edit]
Jason Church

U.S. Senators

U.S. Representatives

State legislators

Individuals

Organizations

  • Combat Veterans for Congress[26]
  • New Politics[20][27]
  • Wisconsin Federation of Republican Women[20][22]
Tom Tiffany

Executive branch officials

U.S. Representatives

State officials

State legislators

Individuals

  • Luke Hilgemann, Republican strategist[7]

Organizations

Results

[edit]
Results by county
Map legend
  •   Tiffany—70–80%
  •   Tiffany—60–70%
  •   Tiffany—50–60%
  •   Church—50–60%
Republican primary results[36][37]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Tom Tiffany 43,714 56.6%
Republican Jason Church 32,339 42.1%
Republican Michael Opela Jr. (write-in) 18 1.3%
Total votes 76,100 100%

Democratic primary

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Candidates

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Nominee

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Eliminated in primary

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Failed to qualify

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  • Spencer Zimmerman, veteran and perennial candidate[41][9]

Declined

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Endorsements

[edit]
Tricia Zunker

Federal politicians

State politicians

Individuals

Party organizations and officials

Labor unions

Organizations

  • Citizen Action of Wisconsin[51]

Results

[edit]
Results by county
Map legend
  •   Zunker—≥90%
  •   Zunker—80–90%
  •   Zunker—70–80%
Democratic primary results[36][37]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Tricia Zunker 35,577 89.7%
Democratic Lawrence Dale 4,388 10.3%
Total votes 39,999 100%

General election

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Predictions

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Source Ranking As of
The Cook Political Report[52] Likely R August 26, 2020
Inside Elections[53] Safe R April 23, 2020
Sabato's Crystal Ball[54] Safe R April 23, 2020
Politico[55] Likely R April 19, 2020
Daily Kos[56] Safe R April 30, 2020

Endorsements

[edit]
Tom Tiffany (R)

Executive Branch officials

U.S. Senators

U.S. Representatives

Statewide officials

State legislators

Individuals

Organizations

Tricia Zunker (D)

U.S. Senators

U.S. Representatives

Statewide officials

State legislators

Individuals

Labor unions

Organizations

Results

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2020 Wisconsin's 7th congressional district special election
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Tom Tiffany 109,594 57.21% –2.90
Democratic Tricia Zunker 81,955 42.79% +4.29
Total votes 191,549 100.00%
Republican hold

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Gilbert, Craig; Beck, Molly (August 26, 2019). "GOP Congressman Sean Duffy says he's stepping down due to new baby". USA Today. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Retrieved August 29, 2019.
  2. ^ Bauer, Scott (September 23, 2019). "Duffy serves final day in House; Evers sets January election". Reading Eagle. Associated Press. Archived from the original on September 23, 2019. Retrieved September 23, 2019.
  3. ^ "Gov. Tony Evers to move date of Wisconsin's special congressional vote". WTMJ-TV Milwaukee. Associated Press. October 1, 2019. Retrieved October 8, 2019.
  4. ^ "Evers Sets New 7th Congressional District Special Election Date". Wisconsin Public Radio. October 1, 2019. Retrieved October 19, 2019.
  5. ^ Bowman, Bridget (August 26, 2019). "GOP Rep. Sean Duffy resigning on Sept. 23". Roll Call. Retrieved August 29, 2019.
  6. ^ Marley, Patrick (September 10, 2019). "Tom Tiffany aligns himself with Trump as he runs to replace outgoing Congressman Sean Duffy". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Retrieved September 10, 2019.
  7. ^ a b c d Vetterkind, Riley (September 11, 2019). "Republican Tom Tiffany enters race for northern Wisconsin district". La Crosse Tribune. Retrieved September 11, 2019.
  8. ^ Schulte, Laura. "Michael Opela third Republican to join District 7 race to replace Sean Duffy". Daily Herald Media. Retrieved December 5, 2019.
  9. ^ a b "Candidate Tracking by Office | 2020 Special Election Representative in Congress District December 7 – 5, 2020" (PDF). Wisconsin Elections Commission. December 3, 2019. Archived from the original (PDF) on April 8, 2020. Retrieved December 5, 2019.
  10. ^ "Mosinee Mayor Brent Jacobson Won't Run for 7th Congressional Seat". WSAU. September 19, 2019. Retrieved September 19, 2019.
  11. ^ a b c Beck, Molly; Gilbert, Craig; Marley, Patrick (August 26, 2019). "US Rep. Sean Duffy says he's leaving Congress in September". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Retrieved August 29, 2019.
  12. ^ "Petrowski campaign: Statement on decision regarding possible run for Congress – 7th District". Wis Politics. Retrieved September 9, 2019.
  13. ^ Schulte, Laura (August 26, 2019). "Wisconsin Sen. Jerry Petrowski considers run for Sean Duffy's congressional seat". Wausau Daily Herald. Retrieved August 29, 2019.
  14. ^ a b c Terlecki, Courtney (September 11, 2019). "Former WI Gov. Scott Walker endorses Tom Tiffany for 7th Congressional District". WAOW. Retrieved September 13, 2019.
  15. ^ Schulte, Laura (September 24, 2019). "Army veteran Jason Church challenges Tiffany in GOP race for Sean Duffy seat, Riveron out". Wausau Daily Herald. Retrieved September 25, 2019.
  16. ^ a b c d Bauer, Scott (February 10, 2020). "Wisconsin GOP primary pits war vet against political vet". The Daily Reporter. Madison, WI. Associated Press. Archived from the original on May 18, 2022. Church's biggest endorsements come from members of Congress who are fellow veterans — U.S. Sens. Joni Ernst of Iowa and Tom Cotton of Arkansas and Reps. Dan Crenshaw of Texas and Brian Mast of Florida.
  17. ^ Cotton, Tom (December 4, 2019). "Please join @DanCrenshawTX & me in supporting @JasonChurchWI for Congress! Jason served & sacrificed for our nation. With your help, he will do so again on behalf of the great people of Wisconsin". @TomCottonAR – via Twitter.
  18. ^ Church, Jason (December 9, 2019). "Today, I received fellow Army veteran and Senator @joniernst's endorsement. Senator Ernst is a terrific example of service and conservative leadership. I look forward to joining her in the fight in Congress to Drain the Swamp and support our military and veterans. #WI07". @JasonChurchWI – via Twitter.
  19. ^ Crenshaw, Dan (December 4, 2019). "America, meet Jason Church, a veteran who sacrificed for his country and is now looking to serve in a new way: representing WI-07. | Please show him some support so he can join me in the fight in Washington. Follow him at @JasonChurchWI and donate here". @DanCrenshawTX – via Twitter.
  20. ^ a b c d e Schulte, Laura (February 6, 2020). "7th District endorsements: Charlie Kirk goes to Church, Tiffany nabs U.S. Chamber, Zunker gets Steelworkers". Wausau Daily Herald.
  21. ^ Church, Jason (January 9, 2020). "Thank you, @AdamKinzinger for endorsing my campaign. Adam is a conservative warrior from WI's neighbor state. We both know that midwesterners value family and hard work most. In Congress, I will stand with Adam to keep our economy and military strong. #WI07pic.twitter.com/VC8HCl9tZp". @JasonChurchWI – via Twitter.
  22. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t Schulte, Laura (February 7, 2020). "7th District endorsements: Charlie Kirk goes to Church, Tiffany nabs U.S. Chamber, Zunker gets Steelworkers". Wausau Daily Herald.
  23. ^ Wigderson, James (December 20, 2019). "Duffy Chooses Tiffany in 7th District GOP Primary". RightWisconsin. Archived from the original on December 28, 2019. Retrieved December 28, 2019. Church has received the endorsement of former Assembly Speaker John Gard (R-Sun Prairie), an endorsement that has proven controversial with conservatives.
  24. ^ Kirk, Charlie (October 22, 2019). "America needs more public servants and less career politiciansThat's why I'm proud to support @JasonChurchWI—a combat veteran who lost both legs to an IED in AfghanistanHe's ready to stand with President Trump to Keep America GreatCheck him out here:…". @charliekirk11 – via Twitter.
  25. ^ Herndon, Astead W. (April 7, 2020). "They Turned Out to Vote in Wisconsin During a Health Crisis. Here's Why". The New York Times. Charlotte Rasmussen, the Republican chair of Clark County in central Wisconsin
  26. ^ "Combat Veterans For Congress | Electing Fiscal Conservatives". combatveteransforcongress.org. Archived from the original on September 13, 2020. Retrieved January 9, 2020.
  27. ^ "Endorsement: Jason Church for Congress". New Politics. December 5, 2019.
  28. ^ a b Tom Tiffany [@TomTiffanyWI] (September 18, 2019). "Thank you for the support Gov. Thompson!" (Tweet). Retrieved September 27, 2019 – via Twitter.
  29. ^ a b Wigderson, James (December 20, 2019). "Duffy Chooses Tiffany in 7th District GOP Primary". RightWisconsin. Archived from the original on December 28, 2019. Retrieved December 28, 2019.
  30. ^ a b c d e f g h "Sheila Harsdorf Endorses Tiffany for Congress". Tiffany for Congress. September 27, 2019. Retrieved September 27, 2019.
  31. ^ a b Scott Walker [@ScottWalker] (September 11, 2019). ".@TomTiffanyWI is a fighter for northern Wisconsin and for the hard-working taxpayers. I enthusiastically endorse his run for Congress!" (Tweet). Retrieved September 11, 2019 – via Twitter.
  32. ^ a b Poltrock, Heather (October 9, 2019). "Sen. Pat Testin backs Tom Tiffany for Congress". wsaw.com. Fox WSAW. Archived from the original on October 28, 2019. Retrieved October 28, 2019.
  33. ^ a b Vukmir, Leah (November 14, 2019). "I am proud to endorse @TomTiffanyWI for Congress because he has proven he will fight for us — no matter what extremists throw at him. He's the ally @realDonaldTrump needs to help defend the unborn, secure the border, and protect our Constitution. #WI07 #wiright". @LeahVukmir – via Twitter.
  34. ^ a b "AFP endorses Tiffany, promises to mobilize grassroots activists in 7th CD race". WISPOLITICS. October 18, 2019. Retrieved October 18, 2019.
  35. ^ "Tom Tiffany (WI-07)". Club for Growth. Retrieved February 29, 2020.
  36. ^ a b "Election results: Wisconsin spring primary election". projects.jsonline.com. Journal Sentinel. February 18, 2020.
  37. ^ a b "WEC Canvass Reporting System | County by County Report | 2020 Spring Primary" (PDF). Wisconsin Election Commission. Archived from the original (PDF) on September 13, 2020. Retrieved March 3, 2020.
  38. ^ a b "Wausau's Tricia Zunker Aims To Be Wisconsin's First Native American Congresswoman". Wisconsin Public Radio. October 1, 2019. Retrieved October 14, 2019.
  39. ^ Poltrock, Heather. "Wausau School Board President to run for Congress". wsaw.com. Archived from the original on October 14, 2019. Retrieved October 14, 2019.
  40. ^ "A Democratic contender enters Wisconsin's 7th Congressional District race". WKOW. October 1, 2019. Retrieved October 14, 2019.
  41. ^ "WJFW – Veteran, Spencer Zimmerman, announces campaign to replace Duffy in Congress". wjfw.com. Archived from the original on November 9, 2019. Retrieved December 5, 2019.
  42. ^ "Wausau School Board President Enters 7th District Congressional Race". wjjq.com. WJJQ Radio. October 15, 2019. Another politician decided against running in that race yesterday. State Senator Janet Bewley said she will not enter the election and will instead continue to serve the residents of her 25th Senate district.
  43. ^ Marley, Patrick (October 14, 2019). "Democratic state Sen. @JanetBewley4WI says she won't run for Congress. She praises @TriciaforWI, who announced today she's running for the seat vacated last month by @RepSeanDuffy". @patrickdmarley – via Twitter.
  44. ^ "Engerbretson Not Running for 7th Congressional Seat". WSAU. Retrieved October 9, 2019.
  45. ^ "Tiffany edges closer to run for Congress, 2 others bow out". CBS58. September 9, 2019.
  46. ^ Vetterkind, Riley (August 27, 2019). "Congressman Sean Duffy to resign in September, cites family reasons". Wisconsin State Journal. Retrieved August 29, 2019.
  47. ^ "Two Democrats Decide Not to Run for Congress". WDIO-DT. September 30, 2019. Archived from the original on September 30, 2019. Retrieved September 30, 2019.
  48. ^ a b c Mentzer, Rob (August 27, 2019). "Parties Eye Possible Nominees In Race To Replace Resigning Rep. Sean Duffy". Wisconsin Public Radio.
  49. ^ Haaland, Deb (November 14, 2019). ".@TriciaforWI will be another strong voice for Native people in Congress — and the first Native American elected to Congress in Wisconsin! Let's do this! #WI07 #BeFierce..." @Deb4CongressNM – via Twitter.
  50. ^ a b Bloomingdale, Stephanie (February 11, 2020). "Wisconsin AFL-CIO Endorses Tricia Zunker for 7th Congressional District". Wisconsin State AFL-CIO.
  51. ^ a b Brusky, Matthew (February 7, 2020). "Citizen Action Weekly: Friday, February 7th". Citizen Action Wisconsin.
  52. ^ Wasserman, David (August 26, 2019). "Duffy's Resignation Moves WI-07 from Solid to Likely Republican". The Cook Political Report.
  53. ^ Askarinam, Leah (August 26, 2019). "Wisconsin 7: Duffy's Seat Remains Solid Republican for Now | News & Analysis | Inside Elections". insideelections.com. Inside Elections with Nathan L. Gonzales.
  54. ^ "2020 Rating Changes – Sabato's Crystal Ball". Retrieved May 13, 2020.
  55. ^ "2020 Election Forecast". Politico. November 19, 2019.
  56. ^ "2020 House Race Ratings". Daily Kos. Retrieved April 30, 2020.
  57. ^ Tiffany, Tom [@TomTiffanyWI] (March 11, 2020). "Please join VP @Mike_Pence and me for a GOTV event in the Wausau area. Be part of our historic victory! Thursday, March 19 11:30 a.m. Stoney Creek Hotel in Rothschild Get your tickets here → https://www.eventbrite.com/e/gotv-event-with-special-guest-vice-president-mike-pence-and-tom-tiffany-tickets-97813062503 …" (Tweet). Retrieved May 13, 2020 – via Twitter.
  58. ^ Trump, Donald J. (April 20, 2020). "Tom Tiffany (@TomTiffanyWI) is a Great Advocate for the incredible people of Wisconsin (WI07). We need Tom in Congress to help us Make America Great Again! He will Fight for Small Business, supports our Incredible Farmers, Loves our Military and our Vets..." Retrieved May 13, 2020.
  59. ^ Johnson, Ron [@RonJohnsonWI] (February 18, 2020). "Congratulations @TomTiffanyWI! Conservatives in northern Wisconsin will come together to keep #WI07 red" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  60. ^ Gallagher, Mike [@MikeforWI] (February 18, 2020). "@TomTiffanyWI has a proven record of fighting for northern WI & supporting conservative reforms in the state legislature. Voters now have the opportunity to send him to Washington to do the same. I congratulate Tom on winning this primary and look forward to supporting him in May" (Tweet). Archived from the original on June 2, 2020 – via Twitter.
  61. ^ Bryan Steil [@BryanSteil] (February 19, 2020). "Now, more than ever, we need conservative reinforcements in the U.S. House. I'm thrilled to stand with @TomTiffanyWI after his primary victory. Tom has proven to be a fierce advocate for conservative values" (Tweet). Retrieved February 19, 2020 – via Twitter.
  62. ^ Kleefisch, Rebecca [@RebeccaforReal] (February 18, 2020). "@TomTiffanyWI, Thinking of you today and sending encouragement to voters of the 7th Congressional district… This guy will have your back in Washington! Vote today!" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  63. ^ Woods, James [@RealJamesWoods] (May 12, 2020). "Every shot we have to put Nancy Pelosi back to pasture is essential. #TomTiffanyhttps://twitter.com/realdonaldtrump/status/1260185657395339266 …" (Tweet). Retrieved May 13, 2020 – via Twitter.
  64. ^ List, Susan B. Anthony [@SBAList] (May 12, 2020). "Today's the day #WI07! Make sure you get out and vote for #prolife candidate @TomTiffanyWI! Not sure where to vote? Find your polling place here: https://myvote.wi.gov/en-us/FindMyPollingPlace …" (Tweet). Retrieved May 13, 2020 – via Twitter.
  65. ^ Dubois, Peter (April 16, 2020). "Sen. Tammy Baldwin endorses Tricia Zunker in 7th Congressional race". wjfw.com. WJFW-TV. Archived from the original on September 13, 2020. Retrieved April 19, 2020.
  66. ^ Booker, Cory [@CoryBooker] (April 29, 2020). "I hope you'll support @TriciaforWI for Congress. She's running in a tough special election in Wisconsin on May 12th against an opponent who's been endorsed by Donald Trump. Let's make sure Tricia flips this seat. Chip in to her campaign today: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/tzcb https://twitter.com/emilyslist/status/1255120659727990785 …" (Tweet). Retrieved May 13, 2020 – via Twitter.
  67. ^ Zunker, Tricia (May 4, 2020). "I'm honored to be endorsed by @KamalaHarris and looking forward to working with her to advocate for affordable health care and help for working families after we turn Wisconsin blue on May 12. #WI07pic.twitter.com/VhuRhdJ07K". Retrieved May 13, 2020.
  68. ^ Axelrod, Tal (April 22, 2020). "Warren endorses 20 Democratic women for down-ballot races". The Hill.
  69. ^ Zunker, Tricia (May 7, 2020). "I'm honored to have the support of fellow Ho-Chunk tribal member @sharicedavids. Ho-Chunk means "People of the Big Voice" & together we'll be big voices in Congress for affordable health care, help for our small businesses, and protection of the environment. #WI07pic.twitter.com/0HMsQHl9IO". Retrieved May 13, 2020.
  70. ^ Zunker, Tricia (May 3, 2020). "I'm so honored to have the support of @KindforCongress in my special election coming up on May 12 and I'm looking forward to working with him in Congress to lower prescription drug costs and fight for our small businesses.pic.twitter.com/sdneFKi0JC". Retrieved May 13, 2020.
  71. ^ Moore, Gwen S. (May 11, 2020). ".@Triciaforwi is one of us and I'm with her! She will fight for what our families need: expanding affordable health care, lowering Rx cost drugs, and support small businesses and family farmers. When headed to the polls tomorrow, remember: Tricia is in the fight for us! #wi07pic.twitter.com/DR7ATIt4vo". Retrieved May 13, 2020.
  72. ^ Zunker, Tricia (March 17, 2020). ""In these challenging times, we need an intelligent and dedicated leader in Congress to represent the people of Wisconsin. Tricia Zunker is that leader. Tricia is not a slave to political ideology," said former Rep. Dave Obey. [1/2] #wi07pic.twitter.com/HZPnHUSmim". Retrieved May 13, 2020.
  73. ^ Barnes, Mandela [@TheOtherMandela] (May 4, 2020). "I support @TriciaforWIhttps://twitter.com/schultelaura/status/1257474721026699264 …" (Tweet). Retrieved May 13, 2020 – via Twitter.
  74. ^ a b Jon "Bowzer" Bauman Announces Social Security Works PAC's Endorsement of Tricia Zunker (Video). United States. May 6, 2020. Retrieved May 6, 2020 – via YouTube.
  75. ^ Perabo, Piper [@PiperPerabo] (May 11, 2020). "#Wisconsin ELECTION Tomorrow! #WI07 the biggest in the state, has never been represented by a woman. Let's make herstory. Vote Tricia Zunker for Congress May 12" (Tweet). Retrieved May 13, 2020 – via Twitter.
  76. ^ Zunker, Tricia [@TriciaforWI] (April 30, 2020). "Thank you @BradleyWhitford! We have an incredible opportunity to turn Wisconsin blue! Vote Tricia Zunker for Congress on May 12. #wi07" (Tweet). Retrieved May 13, 2020 – via Twitter.
  77. ^ Wikler, Ben [@benwikler] (April 20, 2020). "Now that Trump lost the in-person Wisconsin Supreme Court race, he's sweating about the Wisconsin Congressional special election on May 12—which the GOP is also ensuring is in-person. He's endorsing the Republican. Chip in to help great Dem Tricia Zunker: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/tricia-website?refcode=website …https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1252416049942687747 …" (Tweet). Retrieved May 13, 2020 – via Twitter.
  78. ^ "IBEW 242 | Wisconsin". ibew242.org.
  79. ^ Bennett, Thomas; Carroll, Bill (May 1, 2020). "Teamsters JC 39 Endorses Zunker In U.S. House Special Election". Teamsters Joint Council 39. PR Newswire.
  80. ^ Schriock, Stephanie (April 28, 2020). "EMILY's List Endorses Tricia Zunker in Wisconsin's 7th Congressional District". emilyslist.org. EMILY's List.
  81. ^ Sittenfeld, Tiernan; Schumann, Kerry (April 8, 2020). "LCV Action Fund Endorses Tricia Zunker for Congress". League of Conservation Voters.
  82. ^ "2020 Endorsements". plannedparenthoodaction.org. Planned Parenthood Action Fund. Archived from the original on April 12, 2020. Retrieved May 1, 2020.
  83. ^ Ward, Elizabeth; Blouin, Dave (March 31, 2020). "Sierra Club Endorses Tricia Zunker for Congress". Sierra Club.
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Official campaign websites

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