Who's running in Minnesota's 4th congressional district
2 candidates are on the ballot. Below is what each one says they stand for, what they have actually done in office or in public life, and the arguments published for and against them — each quoted from a named source rather than summarised by us.
2 candidates · ballot order · Betty McCollum currently holds this seat
Medium confidenceMedium confidenceThe candidate's stated positions and basic record are documented, but coverage is thin — often little independent reporting, or criticism from only one side.What would raise it: More independent reporting, a documented voting record, or published criticism from a named opponent would raise this.
What they say they stand for
Their own words. Claims, not verified facts.
Reversing higher health care costs and coverage losses she attributes to the 2025 Republican budget law.
Opposing President Trump's proposed $5,000 'dividend' payments, which she called 'a desperate gimmick'.
Requiring gluten-containing grains to be labelled as major allergens, through a bill she co-introduced.
Keeping the federal government funded; she voted for a stopgap funding measure through December 11.
What they’ve actually done
Documented record from official sources.
US Representative for Minnesota's 4th District since January 2001; the only member of Minnesota's 2001 delegation still serving.
Ranking member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense.
Co-sponsored H.R. 4393, the DIGNIDAD Act immigration bill introduced by Republican Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar, in February 2026, according to her primary opponent.
Won the August 11, 2026 DFL primary with 85.8%; endorsed by the Minnesota DFL, Minnesota AFL-CIO, League of Conservation Voters, Sierra Club and Planned Parenthood Action Fund.
Arguments in favor
As ranking Democrat on the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee she is using her position to highlight 'the high cost of care and reduced coverage Minnesotans are experiencing' because of the Republican budget law.
— Betty McCollum's congressional office
Her reelection is backed by the state DFL, organised labour and environmental and reproductive-rights groups, including the Minnesota AFL-CIO, League of Conservation Voters, Sierra Club and Planned Parenthood Action Fund.
— Endorsing organisations, as listed by Wikipedia
Arguments against
She 'quietly became the most powerful member of Congress to sponsor' Republican Rep. Maria Salazar's immigration bill during Operation Metro Surge, legitimising 'a fringe effort into a serious law that can realistically pass' and betraying immigrant and refugee constituents.
Mandatory audits of major federal spending and 'no appropriation without controls' against fraud.
Protecting and expanding tax cuts: no tax on tips or overtime, larger child tax credits, eliminating the estate tax.
More American energy, food and housing supply through deregulation.
Health care competition: price transparency, insurance sales across state lines, easier access to generic and imported drugs.
Requiring congressional approval for major regulations and a one-in, two-out rule for new ones.
What they’ve actually done
Documented record from official sources.
Engineer and engineering manager in medtech and aerospace for about 35 years; certified flight instructor.
Republican nominee for Minnesota House District 40B in 2024; a Ramsey County judge granted his election contest finding DFL winner Curtis Johnson did not live in the district.
Lost the March 11, 2025 special election for House District 40B to DFL candidate David Gottfried.
Won the August 11, 2026 Republican primary with 72.6%; endorsed by the Republican Party of Minnesota.
Has not held elected office.
Arguments in favor
'I'm not a politician. I'm an engineer. When something's broken, you fix it. You don't make excuses.' He would bring that approach to stopping fraud and wasteful federal spending.
— Paul Wikstrom campaign website
His 40B residency challenge showed 'that laws matter, and integrity in the election process is non-negotiable'.
— Lisa Demuth, Republican Minnesota House speaker-designate, on the 2024 court ruling, reported by FOX 9
Arguments against
His election contest was an attempt 'to do in court what they were unable to do at the ballot box': Curtis Johnson won the seat by 7,503 votes and 'no court should lightly overturn the will of the voters'.
— Melissa Hortman, then DFL speaker of the Minnesota House, December 2024, reported by FOX 9
What we couldn’t verify
No published criticism of Wikstrom's congressional campaign by McCollum, the DFL or the DCCC could be found; the criticism above concerns his 2024 state House election contest.
Wikstrom's positions on immigration and abortion were not found in detail.
Positions and criticism are quoted from the named sources, not our assessments. This is built to help you start getting informed — confirm the official candidate list with your election authority before you vote.
Minnesota held its primaries on August 11, 2026; November 3 is the general election, decided by plurality with no runoff. The district uses the map adopted in 2022; no redistricting or map litigation affecting 2026 was found. Two candidates are on the ballot: DFL incumbent Betty McCollum, who beat Aswar Rahman 85.8% to 14.2% in the primary, and Republican Paul Wikstrom, who beat Paul Xiong and Gene Rechtzigel with 72.6%. No minor-party or independent candidate was found on Ballotpedia's general election list. Roster from Wikipedia, Ballotpedia, MPR News and Forum News Service primary coverage. The district covers St. Paul, all of Ramsey County and most of Washington County.
This is one contest on a longer ballot
A Minnesota ballot also carries state legislative districts, county offices, judicial seats and often local questions — and which of them you vote on is decided by your street address, not your city or ZIP code.
Your ballot is determined by your election authority, not by us. Verify your registration, precinct, and sample ballot at Minnesota Secretary of State.