Politics
Medicaid rules and household costs take center stage in Janesville congressional debate
Rep. Bryan Steil and Democratic challenger Mitchell Berman debated taxes, Social Security and tariffs during a WCLO radio forum in Wisconsin’s 1st Congressional District. They also clashed over the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and its changes to Medicaid.
JANESVILLE, Wis. — The cost of living was a central theme when Republican U.S. Rep. Bryan Steil and Democratic challenger Mitchell Berman met for a WCLO radio debate earlier this week, according to information released Oct. 25, 2026.
The candidates discussed taxes, Social Security and tariffs, and disagreed over the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and new requirements and restrictions it created for Medicaid. The debate put questions about household expenses and access to health coverage before voters in Wisconsin’s 1st Congressional District.
Steil, the incumbent, is seeking to retain his seat against Berman. The district’s voters will choose between the candidates in the congressional election; the debate focused on policy areas with direct implications for families’ finances and public benefits.