Randy Bryce has it all: a decent war chest, a camera-ready working-class persona, and a mustache. Now the Wisconsin Democrat can boast of something else: an endorsement from former President Barack Obama.

“Today, I’m proud to endorse even more Democratic candidates who aren’t just running against something, but for something—to expand opportunity for all of us and to restore dignity, honor, and compassion to public service,” Obama wrote. “They deserve your vote.”

Today, I’m proud to endorse even more Democratic candidates who aren’t just running against something, but for something—to expand opportunity for all of us and to restore dignity, honor, and compassion to public service. They deserve your vote: pic.twitter.com/NO5jnhX3XD — Barack Obama (@BarackObama) October 1, 2018



One of the deserving was Bryce, and Republicans should take notice. An Obama endorsement could mean momentum for the man trying to win the seat House Speaker Paul Ryan will soon vacate.

Obama knows that his support can be a blessing and a curse depending on the district. One word from the former president can send hordes of people to the polls in support or in opposition to his preferred candidate. But Obama has reason to feel confident in his Wisconsin endorsement.

The 1st Congressional District in Wisconsin voted 52 to 42 for Trump over Hillary Clinton in 2016 and before that 52 to 47 for Mitt Romney over Obama in 2012. But rewind the clock to 2008 and Obama carried the district over John McCain, 51-48.

Obama must be betting that nostalgia combined with the current political craziness could magnify the effect of his endorsement. It is possible that’s why he held off on including Bryce in his first round of endorsements earlier this year. Maybe Obama sees more and more blue as Election Day approaches.

Republican Gov. Scott Walker has been warning for months that a blue wave will come crashing down on his party. Thanks to Obama, Bryce could be a case in point. Earlier in September, the New York Times upshot blog had Bryce trailing his Republican opponent, Bryan Steil, by just six points, 50 to 44 percent. In context, those numbers are even more encouraging to the Left.

Ryan won’t be on the ballot this November like he was when Obama lost there in 2012. But his doppelganger will be (Ryan and Steil sport similar haircuts, smiles, and even sweater vests). And Trump will be on the ballot in spirit. Anti-incumbent fervor, combined with Obama nostalgia, could cut against Republicans come November, even in Paul Ryan's district.