Press Releases
Official statements and announcements from Peter Burgelis for Congress. For media inquiries, contact peter@peterforwi.com.
For Immediate Release · Media Contact: Peter Burgelis, peter@peterforwi.com
KENOSHA, WI — Congressional candidate Peter Burgelis delivered a strong and energetic performance Friday evening at the First Congressional District Democratic Candidate Forum, presenting a clear vision for defeating Bryan Steil and restoring leadership that puts working families first.
Addressing Democrats from across the first congressional district, Burgelis emphasized his record of winning difficult elections, listening to constituents, delivering results in public office, and standing up for everyday people.
"I've beaten long serving incumbents before, and I will do it again," Burgelis told attendees. "Southeastern Wisconsin deserves a representative who listens to people, fights for working families, and isn't afraid to hold Trump accountable."
Drawing on his personal story as the son and grandson of immigrants from Latvia, Burgelis spoke about growing up in a working-class household with a single mother and carrying those values throughout his career as a nonprofit executive, small business owner, mortgage professional, and elected official.
Throughout the forum, Burgelis distinguished himself with detailed policy knowledge and a proven record of action on issues ranging from voting rights and healthcare affordability to veterans services, housing, clean energy, and international affairs.
On democracy and voting rights, Burgelis warned that Bryan Steil's support for the SAVE Act threatens access to the ballot box and pledged to fight for passage of the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act.
On healthcare, noting that those in attendance likely knew someone who had been financially devastated by medical bills, Burgelis called for bold action to reduce medical costs while continuing to push toward universal coverage.
Burgelis also highlighted his record of leadership on international issues, noting that one of his first actions as an elected official was supporting a resolution condemning Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine. He reaffirmed his support for NATO, democracy abroad, and a foreign policy rooted in American values rather than political opportunism.
Forum attendees repeatedly responded positively to Burgelis' message of accountability, affordability, and practical leadership.
As an Alderman and former County Supervisor, Burgelis pointed to a record of delivering results, including public safety investments, tenant protections, infrastructure improvements, and measures to make local government more transparent and accountable.
The forum comes as Burgelis' campaign continues to build momentum across the district following his successful ballot qualification effort and a series of community listening sessions throughout Racine, Kenosha, Walworth, Rock, and Milwaukee Counties.
"The biggest thing I've learned in public office is that people want to be heard," Burgelis said in his closing remarks. "For too long, everyday people have been ignored by Bryan Steil. I'm running because I believe your ideas, your concerns, and your priorities deserve a voice in Congress."
The Democratic primary election will be held on August 11, 2026.
For Immediate Release · Media Contact: Peter Burgelis, peter@peterforwi.com
Congressional candidate will host open forum conversations in Burlington, Kenosha, Janesville, Beloit, Racine, Greendale, and Rochester
WISCONSIN — Congressional candidate Peter Burgelis today announced a Community Roundtable Listening Tour across Wisconsin's First Congressional District, inviting residents to join him for informal conversations about the issues affecting their families, communities, and future.
The tour will feature stops at libraries, coffee shops, and community gathering spaces throughout the district, providing opportunities for residents to share concerns, ask questions, and help shape the priorities Peter will take to Washington.
"People are tired of politicians who only show up during election season and spend more time listening to lobbyists than the people they represent," said Burgelis. "This campaign is built on the belief that representation starts with listening. I've spent the last few weeks knocking on doors getting signatures to qualify for the ballot and want to continue to hear directly from neighbors. I'm concerned about what they're experiencing, whether it's rising costs, healthcare, housing, public safety, protecting Social Security and Medicare, or strengthening our local economy."
As an elected Alderman from Wisconsin's largest city and candidate for Congress, Burgelis said the tour reflects his commitment to bringing local voices into national conversations.
"Every community in Wisconsin has a story to tell and challenges that deserve attention," Burgelis added. "These roundtables are an opportunity to have honest conversations about what is working, what isn't, and how we can build a government that puts working people first."
Residents are encouraged to stop by, share their ideas, and meet Peter.
For Immediate Release · Media Contact: Peter Burgelis, peter@peterforwi.com
SOUTHEAST WISCONSIN — Congressional candidate Peter Burgelis today criticized Congressman Bryan Steil for touting lead pipe replacement projects funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law after voting against the legislation and later supporting efforts to claw back funding for similar projects.
"As a local elected official, I know firsthand how devastating lead exposure can be for families," Burgelis said. "Parents shouldn't have to wonder whether the water coming from their tap is safe for their children."
Communities across Wisconsin's First Congressional District continue replacing aging lead service lines. Racine is working to replace roughly 10,000 lead laterals, while Kenosha, Janesville, Milwaukee, and other communities depend on state and federal support to remove dangerous lead infrastructure.
"These are basic needs — it's about keeping lead out of drinking water," Burgelis said. "When Congress finally stepped up to help with the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Bryan Steil voted no."
Burgelis also criticized Steil for supporting legislation in 2026 that clawed back $125 million previously approved for lead service line replacement projects.
"You can't vote against the funding, take credit for the results, and then support efforts to take the money away," Burgelis said. "That's not leadership. That's political opportunism."
Lead exposure remains one of the most serious environmental health threats facing children, particularly in older communities with aging infrastructure.
"Every child deserves safe drinking water regardless of their ZIP code," Burgelis said. "I'll fight to protect and expand investments that remove lead from our communities. Bryan Steil voted against them and then tried to take more funding away. The people of southeastern Wisconsin deserve better."
For Immediate Release · Media Contact: Peter Burgelis, peter@peterforwi.com
SOUTHEAST WISCONSIN — Peter Burgelis today announced his campaign for Congress in Wisconsin's 1st Congressional District, focusing on lowering costs for working families and restoring accountability in Washington.
"I can't sit by while Bryan Steil lets Donald Trump take aim at our neighbors, our pocketbooks, and our values," Burgelis said.
"Costs are rising across the board, from healthcare to housing to groceries, and while big corporations get more tax breaks, seniors and families are left behind and feel like no one in Washington is listening," Burgelis said.
"I've helped families find affordable housing and served in local office. The most important thing I've learned in elected office is to listen to constituents and make their priorities my priorities. I do that for my constituents every day, and I'll be able to do even more from Congress." He said those experiences shaped what he's hearing now from people across southeast Wisconsin.
"Congressman Steil has made a career working for the rich and powerful, from Speaker Paul Ryan to big law firms, and he's backed Trump's costly agenda 100 percent," Burgelis said. "I'll fight to lower healthcare and housing costs, repeal Trump's tariffs, and put money in your pocket rather than fund an illegal war of choice in Iran."
Burgelis said the race is about accountability and affordability. "We have to beat Steil to take back Congress and stand up for working families," he said. "Southeast Wisconsin deserves a representative who will fight for them every day."