Oct. 22—DULUTH — Incumbent U.S. Rep. Pete Stauber and challenger Jen Schultz will face off in the general election to represent Minnesota’s 8th Congressional District.
Stauber, a three-term Republican from Hermantown, will again face DFL nominee Schultz — a former state representative from Duluth — after the pair ran against Stauber in 2022
Schultz defeated by a margin of 57.2%-42.8%.
Each candidate answered the following questions in their own words ahead of the August primary.
What’s your current view on the state of the economy in northeastern Minnesota, and what can you do in Congress to support local job growth?
Joe Biden’s economy is crippling working families. Our cost of living is skyrocketing. Energy prices are skyrocketing. The American dream of homeownership for young families is virtually unattainable. We must change course. We must put America first by building a growth-friendly economy and pursuing an all-American energy policy that is not dependent on our adversaries. We must come to dominate critical minerals by mining these minerals here at home, generating an economic boom across the region, and doing it in an environmentally responsible way, with union labor. Mining is part of our past, present and future!
What should the federal government do to ensure public safety in our communities?
As a 23-year police officer, I am proud to be a distinguished leader in Congress when it comes to keeping our communities safe. We are clearly at a crossroads in our country between those who defend law and order and support our law enforcement, and those who are more interested in sending criminals back onto the streets, making our communities less safe. Unlike some of my colleagues in Congress who continue to call for the defunding of our law enforcement, I will do everything I can to provide our police with the resources needed to keep our communities safe.
Do you support congressional action on abortion, contraception, in vitro fertilization, or other reproductive health measures?
As a father of six beautiful children, including two who were adopted, I believe that all life has value and should be protected. But before we were blessed with our first child, my wife and I struggled to conceive. I support all families trying to have a child, whether through natural birth, adoption, foster care or fertility treatment such as IVF. I support Congress’ action on policies that protect the sanctity of life and the opportunities for families to thrive.
What’s your current view on the state of the economy in northeastern Minnesota, and what can you do in Congress to support local job growth?
As an economist, I will bring meaningful investment to our region and focus on rebuilding our economy so it works for everyone. I represent working people, not political parties. I will help small businesses, work to increase affordable housing and access to healthcare, and invest in our port, infrastructure and schools – everything businesses need. I will work with anyone regardless of party. I will vote for infrastructure bills and advocate for policies to bring back and protect domestic manufacturing and responsible mining to create jobs. I will strengthen the middle class because it is the foundation of our economy.
What should the federal government do to ensure public safety in our communities?
Public safety is about protecting people and communities. I fully support law enforcement and first responders. I am strongly against defunding the police. I have great respect for first responders and military personnel as my late father was a dedicated firefighter, paramedic and Vietnam veteran. We must secure our borders humanely. Congress should have passed the bipartisan border bill. We must tackle illicit drug use by improving border security and drug enforcement. I will discuss mental health and homelessness. We must ensure that people have access to basic needs and opportunities to thrive.
Do you support congressional action on abortion, contraception, in vitro fertilization, or other reproductive health measures?
Everyone should have the right to make their own health decisions in consultation with their doctor, not politicians. I support reproductive rights, including abortion, access to contraception and IVF treatment. We must codify these long-standing protections into law. Restrictive state laws endanger women’s lives. In addition to expanding access to health care, I will protect Social Security and Medicare. I have a track record of getting things done by being an independent thinker, asking good questions, solving problems and helping people. There is a better way forward where we can improve lives by investing in people and in our communities.
