Milwaukee police sergeant James Bryce is intent on keeping Wisconsin's 1st Congressional District in Republican hands, even if it means working against his brother Randy Bryce.
Randy Bryce is the mustachioed critic of Speaker of the House Paul Ryan (R., Wis.) running as a Democrat for Ryan’s seat, and James donated to his Republican counterpart, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported. James Bryce had already donated $100 to Ryan’s campaign in March, and now that Ryan is out of the race, he gave $25 to Republican Bryan Steil.
The police sergeant also considered bringing some sibling rivalry to the district by running as a Republican after Ryan announced his retirement, but he decided to support Steil instead. James, along with his wife Erica, talked about running for the seat with top Republican officials before choosing to stay out of the race.
"While calls like this are routine, it’s unique to hear from family members of a candidate who’s currently in the race," National Republican Congressional Committee spokesman Chris Martin said.
The Bryce brothers have apparently disagreed on politics for a while, and Randy said it would not affect his focus on the race.
"My brother is a Republican and we don't talk politics because we have different views," Randy Bryce told the Journal Sentinel. "I am focused on beating Bryan Steil in November and flipping the seat blue."
Steil, an attorney and member of the University of Wisconsin Board of Regents, entered the race after Ryan announced in April he will retire at the end of this term. He is considered the front-runner in the mostly Republican district.