Shawano County’s Ben Hable announces run for 8th CD

SHAWANO COUNTY, Wis. (WGBW) – Benjamin “Ben” Hable, a 41-year-old Democrat from Birnamwood, has announced their campaign for Wisconsin’s 8th Congressional District. 

Hable, who identifies as gender-fluid and disabled, says they want to bring more representation for voices like theirs to Congress. 

“Every time I’ve gone to vote, I’ve wanted to vote for someone that is younger, and I haven’t had those options. And I was always angry about it. I’m like, ‘Well, someone has to actually run for it, and if I run for it, then there will be a choice,” Hable said. “I’ve talked to a lot of people my age about it. Why? Why wouldn’t you do this? They’re worried for their safety, their families, and they’re not financially secure. They don’t have the time. So a lot of young people are really pushed out of even running for office.”

Hable, a former engineer, is currently disabled. They say that having a disability gives them the time and passion to run for office.

“That’s also one of the reasons I’m running.  I was so angry listening to Robert F. Kennedy talk about the autistic community like we’re dogs. My best friend’s son is non-verbal and cannot use the bathroom by himself, and wears a diaper. So I understand the spectrum of autism, but they are misrepresenting the community. And many of us are struggling so much,” said Hable. “So to feel treated like a subclass of people. Like if they’re gonna do that, I need to be in Congress so I can shout back and tell them that they’re wrong! I’m also gender fluid, so I’m part of the trans community and you know, this last decade’s been real rough. If they’re going to try to ban trans people from anything. Then there needs to be trans people in Congress shouting back.”

Qualifications

Hable, who lives in Birnamwood, a small village in Shawano and Marathon Counties, believes they are qualified to represent the 8th Congressional District.

“There’s only two qualifications (to run for office). You have to be 25 (years-old) and you have to be a US citizen,” they said. “You’re also not supposed to be a felon. But you know, apparently, that can slide for some people.”

In addition to their experience as an engineer, Hable said being a Scout helped shape their life and informed their political aspirations. They list their experience as a program director and later camp director at Scout camps.  

“It may have given me more ability to be more involved sooner. I think about that part of my life. I want to promote the scouting program and how it’s shaped my life. It’s made me a better person. And I hope people knowing that about me helps them understand more about me,” Hable said.

Platforms

Diversity

Hable says more voices of those with disabilities, those in the LGBTQIA+ community, and other marginalized groups are needed in government, specifically in Congress.

“I am running to represent underrepresented people because when those people are put into Congress, into positions of power, they actually make differences and changes for all. They don’t think about just their group. They think about all groups,” they said. 

Healthcare

Hable said in the past decade, they have dealt with several medical struggles and have found that insurance companies, the healthcare industry, and the government together have become a gatekeeper for medical care. They advocate for a universal healthcare program for all.

“No one can ever convince me that you’re gonna save money with these private insurers. All you’re doing is making sure that if you can pay for the best, you get the best, and other people don’t,” Hable said.

Needs of the 8th Congressional District

Hable says the most pressing issue in the 8th Congressional District is youth involvement. 

“ I think the 8th needs what all districts need. And that’s a lot more youth involvement. You hear it from every generation: the Boomers, the X-ers, Millennials, and Gen Z. There needs to be more youth involvement.” Hable added, “Like it sucks when Millennials and Gen Z say that and then they don’t get involved. But, there’s a lot of times that we feel pushed out and not wanted.

Hable faces opposition in the Democratic Primary from Appleton businessman Mark Scheffler and Rick Crosson, a former Green Bay Area Public School District Board Member, who announced their campaigns in August. The winner of the Democratic Primary on August 11, 2026, will face 8th CD Incumbent Tony Wied. 

The 8th Congressional District covers all of Green Bay and Brown, Calumet, Door, Kewaunee, Marinette, Menominee, Oconto, Outagamie, and Waupaca Counties, and parts of Winnebago County.