Transportation Industry Donors Flood Sean Duffy's Son-in-Law's Wisconsin Campaign

In the race for Wisconsin’s 7th congressional district, Michael Alfonso, the 26-year-old son-in-law of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, has amassed $1.3 million largely from transportation industry donors with no ties to the state. At least 25 executives, lobbyists and corporate political action committees have contributed, including a $10,000 gift from Covenant Logistics chairman David Parker, whose company later received a five-year renewal of a DOT exemption.

Air Space Intelligence secured an $875 million FAA contract after its PAC donated to Alfonso, and Peter Cipriano, a former DOT adviser, was appointed to lead the Penn Station redevelopment following a modest contribution. LNG exporters Sharad Tak and Fairwood Peninsula Energy also gave money while pursuing port licenses and other DOT approvals. Additionally, Duffy’s dormant campaign account moved $1 million to support Alfonso’s bid, raising questions about potential influence-peddling.