Minnesota is already home to several competitive congressional races, but its Seventh District just got added to the list.
Minnesota’s Seventh Congressional District has been represented by Blue-Dog Democrat Rep. Collin Peterson (D-MN-07) for nearly thirty years, but some in the rural district are looking for a fresh voice as Congress continues to fail to deliver on its farm bill.
“If he had stuck to his job and done his job, we might have a farm bill,” Republican challenger Dave Hughes said during a recent debate, using Peterson’s ranking-member status on the House Agriculture Committee against him.
While Hughes lost to Peterson by five points during the 2016 election, President Donald Trump won the district by 31 percent, and RealClearPolitics now considers the rematch a “toss up.”
“Our message is resonating with the voters across the district because they want a member of Congress who will work with President Donald Trump and continue his agenda to Keep America Great,” Hughes said in a recent press release. “After 28 years in Congress, Collin Peterson is out-of-touch with the people of western Minnesota and on Election Day the voters of this district will make it clear: they think 28 years in Congress is long enough.”
Hughes’ campaign is riding off the momentum of a September endorsement from Trump, who said Hughes will “help us accomplish our America First policies,” while taking strong positions on “crime, the border, our Second Amendment, trade, military, and vets.”
“Running against Pelosi liberal puppet Peterson. Dave has my total endorsement,” Trump tweeted.
Dave Hughes is running for Congress in the Great State of Minnesota. He will help us accomplish our America First policies, is strong on Crime, the Border, our 2nd Amendmen, Trade, Military and Vets. Running against Pelosi Liberal Puppet Petterson. Dave has my Total Endorsement!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 8, 2018
The Seventh District is among three potential pickup opportunities for Republicans in the state, who are also running competitive races in Minnesota’s First and Eighth Districts. With the retirement of Rep. Rick Nolan (D-MN-08), Republican Pete Stauber carries a strong lead over his Democratic opponent, Joe Radinovich.
Tim Walz, who is not seeking reelection to instead run for Minnesota governor, cleared an opening in Minnesota’s First District for Republican Jim Hagedorn, who narrowly lost to Walz in 2016.
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Anthony Gockowski is managing editor of The Minnesota Sun. Follow Anthony on Twitter. Email tips to [email protected].
