Andy Beck attacks Scott Fitzgerald’s absence in Wisconsin’s 5th District race

With 11 days left before Election Day, Democratic candidate Andy Beck is pressing Republican incumbent Scott Fitzgerald to show up at public forums and make his case to voters in Wisconsin’s 5th Congressional District. Beck is leaning on labor backing, expanded advertising and a turnout push as he frames the race as a choice about affordability, healthcare and accountability.

Why it matters: - The Wisconsin 5th District race is entering its final stretch with turnout, visibility and candidate access becoming central issues. - Beck is trying to turn Fitzgerald’s absence from forums into a broader argument about accountability and representation. - The campaign is also testing whether labor backing and a late advertising push can help a challenger close the gap with an incumbent.

What happened: - Democratic congressional candidate Andy Beck said voters in Wisconsin’s 5th Congressional District deserve a representative who shows up, listens and works for them. - The campaign said Beck has traveled throughout the district meeting residents and talking about lowering costs, protecting healthcare and creating good-paying jobs. - Beck criticized Scott Fitzgerald for missing several public candidate forums. - Fitzgerald did not participate in forums organized by the American Association of University Women, the Jefferson and Fort Atkinson Chambers of Commerce, and SOPHIA, a Waukesha County faith-based community organization. - Beck said on Oct. 23 that voters deserve more than a name on the ballot and a party affiliation.

The details: - Beck for Congress has expanded voter outreach despite fewer resources than entrenched incumbents. - The campaign’s closing push includes radio ads on WKLH, WHQG, WMIL, WRIT and WTKM. - The campaign is also running digital advertising and video messaging focused on affordability, healthcare and working families. - Digital billboards are part of the final-days outreach effort. - Grassroots volunteers are contacting voters and encouraging participation in the Nov. 3 election. - Beck has won support from the Wisconsin AFL-CIO, United Auto Workers, National Education Association and other labor and professional groups. - Beck described his background as a former healthcare professional and private-sector business leader with experience in healthcare, manufacturing, sales and management. - The campaign’s slogan centers on three priorities: Lower Costs. Good Jobs. Better Healthcare. - Beck said families are paying more for groceries, housing, healthcare and everyday necessities.

Between the lines: - Beck is using Fitzgerald’s forum absences to make a broader case that the district needs a more accessible and accountable member of Congress. - The message is aimed at voters who are frustrated by costs and want a candidate who seems more present than partisan. - Labor endorsements give Beck a signal of organized support in a district where turnout and field work matter.

What's next: - The campaign is focused on the final 11 days before the Nov. 3 general election. - Beck is continuing advertising, volunteer outreach and voter contact across the district. - The closing message is a direct appeal for voters to choose change over the status quo. - Beck said Nov. 3 gives voters a chance to make a change, and that “a change will do us all good.”