House Speaker Paul Ryan s decision not to seek re-election has dramatically increased Democrats chances of flipping Wisconsins 1st Congressional District.

And this year, Democrats do not lack candidates capable of mounting a serious bid for the seat.

Chief among them: Randy IronStache Bryce , a union ironworker and Army veteran, whose internet fame and fundraising prowess have already nabbed him the endorsement of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.

Democrats head start in a district where their odds have suddenly improved demonstrates the importance of recruiting and supporting strong candidates even in deeply Republican territory.

Run strong candidates everywhere, because you never know whats gonna happen. If you do that, you can take advantage of situations like this, said Mike Mikus, a Pittsburgh-area Democratic campaign consultant who has worked for the DCCC.

Jesse Ferguson, an alumnus of the DCCC as well as Hillary Clinton s presidential campaign, noted that even without unexpectedly positive circumstances, there is nothing to lose and everything to gain from running candidates in tough seats.

You dont win a fight if you dont show up for it, Ferguson said. By having candidates in these districts, we might have a shot to win in a place we didnt think we would or we might have a shot to make our case and convince some voters even if we come up short.