Chris Armstrong

Chris Armstrong earned a high school diploma from Amery High School and a bachelor's degree from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities in 1989. His career experience includes working as an IT consultant.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

In February 2025, amidst the flurry of illegal and unconstitutional actions of the Trump administration, I went down the busiest intersection in New Richmond and started protesting by myself.

After years of putting up lawn signs and voting, I decided I needed to do more. In March 2025, I got involved with the Democratic Party to get out the vote for the spring election.

Then I decided to host a “Hands Off!” protest in New Richmond and over 250 people attended! And after that founded New Richmond Indivisible with other local organizers.

I’m just a normal guy who grew up here, raised my family, and started my own IT business. I’m running for Congress because as my grandson gets older, I want to be able to look him in the eye and tell him I did everything in my power to make this a better place for him, so he can find a good job, find a place to live, and raise his family here.

My job as an Enterprise Architect is to bring together disparate groups of stakeholders, work to a common understanding of the problem, and then collaborate to come up with the optimal solution that best meets the needs of everyone, in the face of overwhelming complexity and a continually changing landscape.

In April 2025, I started my campaign to take the fight to Congress. There is nothing we can’t do when we work together to demand change. 2026 is the Year of the People!

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Congress must stop the lawlessness and corruption of the Trump administration. This government is doing everything it can to make life worse for everyone except the ultra-rich and well-connected.

The first thing I’m going to do when I take office is introduce Articles of Impeachment against Donald Trump and his cabinet.

It’s not because I don’t like Trump (I don’t) or because I don’t agree with their policies (I don’t); it’s because this administration breaks the law every single day and nobody is doing anything about it.

What’s the point of passing any new legislation when this administration breaks the law, flouts the Constitution, and ignores the will of the people every single day? We are a nation of laws, not men.The U.S. does not have a money problem. We have a priority and allocation problem. We need to fund the things that make family life possible. Affordable healthcare, paid family leave, and accessible childcare should not be considered perks.

If we want young people to stay in this district and build something here, we have to give them an actual reason to stay. That means well-funded schools, job training programs that connect to real careers, and a local economy with something to offer them.

We need to kill the tariffs, stop the illegal war in Iran, tax the ultra-wealthy and large corporations, invest in renewable energy, adopt sensible trade policies, and strengthen our safety net for under-served and struggling families.The 7th District is the most rural in Wisconsin and requires more funding per capita than urban areas to deliver modern healthcare services. We need to fund hospital and clinic development so people don’t have to drive for hours to receive regular and emergency care.

We need to implement loan relief programs and immigration policies to recruit doctors and nurses. We need to raise wages for our assisted care workers. We also must not leave our veterans or Native communities behind.

Reproductive healthcare is healthcare; no if’s, and’s, or but’s. We need to repeal the Hyde Amendment that prohibits federal funding for abortion care. Women have the right to make their own decisions about their body, having children, and raising a family.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Voting Rights: Voting is the foundation of democracy and we must protect voting rights and make voting as accessible and convenient for everyone as possible.

AI & Data Centers: With 40 years experience in the IT industry, I have seen many new technology trends come and go. We are over-investing and over-promising with AI, notwithstanding the negative impact on the environment and local communities.

Space Science: This combines two passions of mine. The incredible things we have learned about our planet, our solar system, and the universe are truly astounding.

Environment: We’re so fortunate to live in one the most wonderful places on earth. We need to do everything in our power to make this a better place than we found it.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

Would have to say my parents and grandparents, especially my mom. Her optimism, generosity, hard work, determination, support, and love have made me the person I am today.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Belief in elections, democracy, and science; adherence to the U.S. Constitution and rule of law; integrity; honesty

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Listening and learning; representing the everyday people that live in this district; advocating for policies that make their lives better; leadership

What legacy would you like to leave?

Want to be able to look my grandson in the eye and tell him I did everything in my power to make this a better place for him.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

As a teenager, did some work with local farmers picking rock and baling hay. Also did babysitting for local families. First tech job in high school was repairing ferrite-core memory modules for NASA.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Probably should quit smoking

What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?

Unlike the Senate, the House is truly representative of the people, as each officeholder represents the same number of people. And the entire House membership needs to be re-elected every two years. It’s where legislation and impeachment are initiated. The Speaker of the House is also second in line for presidential succession.

What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

Rebuilding our standing in the world and reimagining what America will be for next 250 years

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Absolutely, but I am not interested in compromising with people who do not believe in the rule of law and their Constitutional oaths. That is something that must never be compromised.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

The Center for Freethought Equality

What was the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember?

The Apollo landing on the moon in 1969