Pete Stauber

Pete Stauber won the Republican nomination for U.S. House in Minnesota’s 8th Congressional District.

Republican U.S. Rep. Tom Emmer's absence from a Farmfest forum led to a heated exchange with his Democratic opponent Doug Chapin, who criticized Emmer for not being present. Rep. Pete Stauber defended Emmer, claiming he was 'fighting for his damn life,' later clarified as hyperbole following Emmer's non-life-threatening foot surgeries. The event also highlighted candidates vying for Angie Craig's 2nd Congressional District seat, with several Democratic hopefuls and a Republican candidate emphasizing policies related to agriculture and infrastructure.

Congressional candidates from Minnesota's First, Second, Sixth, Seventh, and Eighth Districts participated in forums at Farmfest in Redwood County, discussing agriculture and rural issues. The event, held one week before the primary, continued on Wednesday with forums for governor and U.S. Senate races.

The U.S. House passed the SAVE America Act, which requires proof of U.S. citizenship and photo ID for voting, alongside a stock trading bill restricting lawmakers. The Senate has not yet agreed to take up these measures. A GOP budget blueprint including $95 billion for Iran war funding and the SAVE Act also faces Senate delay.

Minnesota’s congressional representatives and staff took 74 free trips to countries like France, Israel, Greece, and Mexico since early 2025, funded by special interests. Examples include Rep. Tom Emmer and Rep. Michelle Fischbach traveling to Israel, and Rep. Pete Stauber and Fischbach attending a trip to Greece hosted by a conservative advocacy group.