The current representative in Minnesota’s First Congressional District will see a challenger this election season, as both of them received official endorsements from their respective parties over the weekend.
Republican Rep. Brad Finstad, of New Ulm, will be facing off against Rachel Bohman, a Democrat from Rochester. Finstad was formerly endorsed by the 1st Congressional District Republicans on Saturday at the convention held in Jackson, while Bohman was endorsed by the DFL during a Saturday convention in Owatonna.
Both parties had representatives speak about their respective candidates, with the GOP discussing “critical issues” that Finstad has “held the line on.”
“Congressman Finstad has been a passionate fighter for the people of southern Minnesota, and we’re excited to see what he’ll accomplish with an additional term,” said Aaron Farris, chairman of the CD1 MNGOP. Farris noted issues such as securing the southern border, lowering energy prices, supporting veterans and small business, reigning in the EPA and authorizing legislation to cut down on government spending as highlights of Finstad’s first full term.
Finstad was first elected to the CD1 seat after the August 2022 special election, which determined who would fill the spot left vacant by late Rep. Jim Hagedorn, who died of cancer in February of that year. He ran against Democrat candidate Jeff Ettinger, of Austin. He was elected again to return to D.C. that same November, once again beating out Ettinger with more than 50% of the votes.
Finstad is a farmer and former state representative who served as state director of the USDA Rural Development during the Trump administration.
Bohman is a former assistant county attorney and Rochester Township board member, as well as a former election official. She announced her candidacy in early March, noting that despite the successes of southern Minnesota she recognizes that “residents also face significant challenges.”
“I’m honored to receive the backing of residents from across Southern Minnesota,” Bohman said. “From farmland to main-street businesses to world renowned medical care and research, Congressional District 1 is unique. Our diverse district needs a strong voice in Congress to ensure strong communities and success far into the future.”
DFL Chairman Ken Martin said in a statement that Bohman is a leader who will embrace southern Minnesota’s “long tradition of bipartisanship.”
“Rachel Bohman grew up in southern Minnesota, and now she’s running for Congress to fight for the community that raised her,” said DFL Chairman Ken Martin. “Rachel’s experience as a former assistant county attorney and in local government will help her rise above partisan divisions in Washington and deliver for her district on lowering costs, improving public safety, and making health care more affordable.”
No-excuse absentee balloting, or early voting, opens Friday, Sept. 27. People can vote early in person or request a ballot to vote by mail. The general election is set for Tuesday, Nov. 5. For more information about voting early or on Election Day, go to mnvotes.org.
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