Hi Friend,
In 2022, I made the important decision to run for Congress in Minnesota’s 8th District, and I am gearing up to do it again. I am excited to share with you the reasons behind this decision, and why I need your support more than ever.
Last year, after serving four terms in the MN Legislature, I had planned to retire and focus on my work as a professor of economics at the University of Minnesota-Duluth. However, when voters in our district learned of my retirement, they asked me to run for Congress against the Incumbent Republican, Pete Stauber.
Their concern was clear: leaving our district unopposed on the 2022 ballot was a risk we couldn't take. I couldn't ignore their call for change and effective representation. I believed our voters deserved a choice, and I couldn't stand idly by when our community needed someone willing to fight for their interests.
Admittedly, entering the race at such a late stage presented significant obstacles. We faced the challenge of limited time, and resources, and the uphill battle of flipping a district. Nonetheless, I made a commitment to not only run that cycle but to continue my campaign into the 2024 election.
You see, I am not one to shy away from challenges. Our 8th District presents us with many hurdles, starting with its sheer size. Spanning a third of the entire state of Minnesota, CD8 is the size of the entire state of Indiana. I traveled to every corner of our district, putting over 40,000 miles on my car to meet voters where they were, often running back and forth throughout the district within a single day.
I am planning to run for Congress once again because our community needs an effective leader who can bridge divides and solve problems. Stauber's lackluster performance in D.C. has left voters disappointed. People are ready for change.
During my time in the state legislature, I built a reputation for being an effective legislator, known for my ability to work across party lines and achieve tangible outcomes. I believe our community is seeking this kind of representation in Congress.
However, none of this can be achieved without your support. Today, I am reaching out to ask for your contribution to our fundraising efforts. Every dollar you donate will help our campaign reach more voters in the district.
