SPOONER, WI — Republican congressional candidate Kevin Hermening joined Ben Dryden on Thursday for an hour-long conversation that explored the extraordinary experiences that have shaped his life and his bid to represent Wisconsin's 7th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.
The conversation streamed live on DrydenWire's Facebook page, where Hermening shared the story of his upbringing, military service, business career, and the path that ultimately led him to enter politics.
Much of the discussion focused on Hermening's service as a U.S. Marine and the events surrounding the 1979 Iran hostage crisis. As one of the Americans held hostage for 444 days, Hermening reflected on the experience, the challenges he faced, and the lasting impact it has had on his life.
From there, the conversation turned to his life after returning home, including his career in business, his continued commitment to public service, and the reasons he decided to run for Congress.
Rather than focusing on rapid-fire policy questions, the discussion gave viewers an opportunity to get to know Hermening beyond campaign headlines—his personal journey, the experiences that shaped his character, and the vision he says he would bring to Washington if elected.
The full conversation is available below for those who missed the live broadcast or would like to watch it again.
Last Update: Jul 23, 2026 10:30 am CDT
