section_path: U.S. House of Representatives (2011 – 2019)/Elections
section_name: Elections
paragraph_text: Elections
  
  On July 8, 2009, Duffy announced his campaign for Congress in Wisconsin's seventh congressional district. Duffy was considered an underdog in the race until May 2010 when 15-term incumbent Democratic representative Dave Obey announced that he would not seek re-election. Following Obey's announcement, Democratic state senator Julie Lassa joined the race.
  
  On June 4, 2010, Duffy announced his resignation from the position of Ashland County district attorney to focus on the congressional race. The resignation was effective three weeks later and Duffy returned to work in his father's law practice. He won the race on November 2, 2010, in a nationwide wave of Republicans being elected to Congress.
  
  Different sources attribute his victory to his ten-month head start on Lassa's campaign, his grassroots organization and fundraising, his experience as a district attorney, and voter discontent with the economy.
  
  Duffy was challenged by Democratic nominee Pat Kreitlow, whom he defeated.
  
  Duffy defeated challenger Kelly Westlund, the Democratic nominee.
  
  On July 8, 2009, Duffy announced his campaign for Congress in Wisconsin's seventh congressional district. Duffy was considered an underdog in the race until May 2010 when 15-term incumbent Democratic representative Dave Obey announced that he would not seek re-election. Following Obey's announcement, Democratic state senator Julie Lassa joined the race.
  
  On June 4, 2010, Duffy announced his resignation from the position of Ashland County district attorney to focus on the congressional race. The resignation was effective three weeks later and Duffy returned to work in his father's law practice. He won the race on November 2, 2010, in a nationwide wave of Republicans being elected to Congress.
  
  Different sources attribute his victory to his ten-month head start on Lassa's campaign, his grassroots organization and fundraising, his experience as a district attorney, and voter discontent with the economy.
  
  Duffy was challenged by Democratic nominee Pat Kreitlow, whom he defeated.
  
  Duffy defeated challenger Kelly Westlund, the Democratic nominee.