Feingold Announces Run to Take Back His Old Seat

Former Sen. Russ Feingold (D-Wis.) wants a rematch for his old seat.

Feingold announced via video this morning that he’ll be challenging Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) in 2016. He lost his seat to Johnson by 5 points in 2010.

“We need to get started fixing things. People tell me all the time that our politics in Washington are broken and multimillionaires, billionaires and big corporations are calling all the shots. They especially say this about the U.S. Senate and it’s hard not to agree. Well, what are we going to do? Get rid of the Senate?” Feingold said in the video.

“Actually, no one I’ve listened to says we should throw in the towel and give up. And I don’t think that, either. Instead, let’s fight together for change. That means helping bring back to the U.S. Senate strong independents, bipartisanship, and honesty. So today, I’m pleased to announce that I’m planning to run for the United States Senate in 2016. And this effort begins with listening to you.”

Feingold said he’d be “hitting the road” across the state this summer, listening to voters’ concerns “especially when it comes to their economic well-being.”

“I believe we should understand and honor everyone’s hard work and that people should be rewarded for it… my desire to serve is stronger than ever.

The treasurer for Feingold’s campaign is Joe Sensenbrenner, former mayor of Madison and cousin of GOP Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner.

In Congress, Feingold famously tried to reform campaign financing with Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.).

After leaving office, Feingold started the PAC Progressives United.

Two years ago, President Obama appointed Feingold special envoy to the Great Lakes region of Africa — the tumultuous Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda and Uganda. Feingold chaired the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on African Affairs from 2001 to 2003 and 2007 to 2011.

He left the envoy position in February.