Transportation Lobbyists Have Donated Thousands to Sean Duffy’s Son-in-Law as He Runs for Congress

Transportation industry lobbyists have donated thousands of dollars to Michael Alfonso's Republican primary campaign for Wisconsin's 7th Congressional District, despite Alfonso being a 26-year-old political newcomer with no official influence over transportation policy. Alfonso is the son-in-law of Sean Duffy, the U.S. Secretary of Transportation, and donors including lobbyists and executives from companies regulated by Duffy's department—such as Lockheed Martin, T-Mobile, and Brightline—have contributed to his campaign, many without any prior history of giving to previous holders of the seat. While such donations are legal, ethics experts note they create an appearance that contributing to Alfonso could influence Duffy's regulatory decisions affecting the donors' industries. Duffy has actively campaigned for Alfonso, attending fundraisers in November and December, and Alfonso has benefited from resources funded by Duffy's former campaign committee and the same fundraising consultant Duffy used. Alfonso had raised just over $305,000 as of the end of 2025 and carries Trump's endorsement, positioning him as a frontrunner in a newly open seat.