Background
Gard, John was born on August 3, 1963 in Milwaukee.
Gard, John was born on August 3, 1963 in Milwaukee.
Gard graduated from University of Wisconsin–Louisiana Crosse in Louisiana Crosse, Wisconsin.
He served as Speaker of the State Assembly from 2003 until 2007. Gard was also the Republican nominee for United States. Representative for Wisconsin"s 8th congressional district in 2006 and 2008, running against and losing to Democratic nominee Steve Kagen both times. 2006 general election results for Wisconsin"s 8th congressional district
Steven L. Kagen (Doctorate), 141,598, 51%
John Gard (R), 134,990, 49%
With four-term incumbent Republican Mark Green running for Governor of Wisconsin, Wisconsin"s 8th congressional district seat became an open seat.
Gard was the Republican nominee, defeating State Republican
Terri McCormick of Appleton in the September 12, 2006 Republican primary. He lost to Democrat Steve Kagen of Appleton in the November 7, 2006 mid-term election, 51–49%, in the most expensive congressional House race in state history.
Gard"s loss was part of the national Republican defeat. Issues that dominated the election were the Iraq War, healthcare, immigration, and pork barrel spending.
Gard was able to carry his home county of Marinette with 51.4% of the vote and neighboring Oconto County by 52.1%.
He lost Brown County, home to Green Bay, by less than 1,000 votes (less than 1%). Kagen carried his home county of Outagamie with 54.5% of the vote. John Gard announced on Sunday April 27, 2008 that he would again run against Democratic incumbent Steve Kagen for 8th district representative.
The Cook Political Report claimed the race "leans Democrat" even though the district was considered to "lean-Republican" with a Cook Partisan Voting Index (PVI) of R +4.
Other Grand Old Party potential candidates dropped out of the race, including State Assemblymen Frank Lasee and Steve Wieckert, and former Green Bay Mayor Paul Jadin. Gard received the Republican nomination, but lost the election by a count of 164,561 to 193,261.
Member of Muskies, Inc., Lena Knights of Columbus, Marinnette Elks Club, Peshtigo Lions, Harmony Sportsmen's Club, M and M Ducks Unlimited.
Married Cathy Zeuske. Children: Elisabeth, John Vincent.