REGIONAL- A relatively late entry into the 2022 election, former DFL state Rep. Jen Schultz is going full throttle in 2024 in her attempt to unseat Republican U.S. Rep. Pete Stauber in the Eighth Congressional District, announcing her candidacy on Tuesday.
“At a time when families are struggling and international tensions are flaring, Pete Stauber and his Republican colleagues have led the least productive Congress in modern history,” said Schultz in a press release. “Instead of bringing people together on behalf of all Americans, Pete Stauber is contributing to and embracing the D.C. chaos and getting nothing done for our communities. Minnesotans deserve a representative who will work to improve our lives, and that’s why I’m running for Congress.”
Schultz lost to Stauber by 15 points in the 2022 race but believes entering the race early with a strong campaign organization can tip the scales in her favor in a sprawling formerly-DFL-dominated district that’s turned increasingly toward the GOP in recent years.
Schultz noted the success she had during her eight-year career in the Minnesota House, securing millions of dollars of investment for the Duluth area, including the Essentia hospital and medical district development, while also serving as a Great Lakes Commissioner, protecting and promoting the Great Lakes, as well as efforts to increase access to affordable health coverage, reduce the cost of health care and prescription drugs, protect older adults in long-term care facilities, and closing corporate tax loopholes.
“I have a long track record of achieving results as a state legislator only serving in divided government by working across the aisle to get the job done,” Schultz said during her campaign launch. I have a 100-percent pro-labor voting record. I am willing to work with Republicans, Democrats, anyone who wants to make lives of families better.”
Schultz wasted no time hammering Stauber for his paltry accomplishments for the district during her press conference at the Duluth Labor Temple, where she was joined by Gov. Tim Walz, former Congressman Rick Nolan, labor leaders, family, friends and supporters.
“Stauber has accomplished nothing,” Schultz said. “He passed two bills in five years – one named a building and the other one created a task force. But we do have a long history of strong representatives in Congress like John Blatnik, Jim Oberstar, and Rick Nolan. Their accomplishments fill books. Stauber’s fit on a Post-it note.”
Schultz also criticized Stauber for taking credit on Monday for securing $1.05 billion in federal money to replace the Blatnik Bridge connecting Duluth and Superior, Wis. Stauber voted against President Joe Biden’s bipartisan infrastructure plan that is funding the new bridge.
Schultz outlined her priorities by listing issues Stauber has opposed, as well as others she supports.
“If you’re angry that Stauber voted against unions, veterans, reproductive rights, free elections, against protecting Social Security and Medicare, against student debt relief, against funding education, against the largest infrastructure bill that’s benefiting our entire region, then this fight is for you,” she said. “If you care about flipping the U.S. House, if you care about global warming and our environment and funding schools, affordable child care and housing, then this fight is for you.”
Both candidates come into the race with substantial campaign war chests. As of early October, Stauber had $776,000 in his campaign fund; Schultz had $219,000, a sign she didn’t stop raising money since her first campaign.
Stauber Distrct Director John Eloranta released a statement in response to Schultz’s announcement.
“After getting soundly rejected by Minnesota voters in 2022 in a campaign few knew even existed, Jen Schultz is doubling down on her blind adoration of Joe Biden and we look forward to once again showing Minnesotans the stark differences between Jen and Joe’s failed record that has led to a skyrocketing cost of living, and Pete’s relentless mission of fighting for our way of life,” Eloranta said.
MPR News contributed to this report.