Who's running in Minnesota's 7th 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 · Michelle Fischbach 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.
Using tariffs as leverage to win trade agreements that benefit agriculture.
Estate tax relief, crop insurance improvements and year-round E15 sales.
Strong markets for farmers rather than recurring ad hoc payments, with more stability and clarity from Congress.
Supporting the USDA's reorganisation under Secretary Brooke Rollins.
Keeping other states from setting Minnesota's livestock rules.
What they’ve actually done
Documented record from official sources.
US Representative for Minnesota's 7th District since January 2021; reelected in 2024 with 70.5%.
Member of the House Ways and Means Committee, including its trade and oversight subcommittees, and of the Rules, Budget and Ethics committees.
President of the Minnesota Senate 2011–12 and 2017–18; lieutenant governor of Minnesota 2018–2019.
Won the 2026 Republican endorsement on the third ballot over David Hughes and was unopposed in the August 11 primary.
Has declined to hold in-person town hall meetings; in 2025 she called constituent sign rallies 'garbage' likely fuelled by outside activists, according to MinnPost.
Arguments in favor
Tariffs have brought countries to the table: there were no trade agreements under the Biden administration and 20 under this one, and 'ag is usually the winner' in them.
— Michelle Fischbach, at the Farmfest candidate forum, reported by Agweek
She is 'a trailblazer and proven conservative leader' — the first woman to preside over the Minnesota Senate and the only Republican in 2020 to flip a seat held by a non-freshman Democrat.
— Fischbach for Congress campaign website
She has delivered estate tax relief, crop insurance improvements and progress on year-round E15 for the district's farmers.
— Michelle Fischbach, closing remarks at Farmfest, reported by Agweek
Arguments against
'It'd be nice and stable if Congress would stand up against the unconstitutional tariffs and take that back.' If the tariffs were so helpful, 'why did the Supreme Court have to create a $160 billion refund that is going to the importers?'
— Erik Osberg, DFL opponent, at Farmfest, reported by Agweek
She keeps a low profile to avoid saying anything that might offend President Trump and draw a primary challenge.
— Reed Anfinson, publisher of newspapers in Benson, Morris and Elbow Lake, to MinnPost
She has avoided town halls and her staff showed little interest in meeting on SNAP cuts: 'nobody in her staff was very interested in chatting with me.'
— State Rep. Heather Keeler, DFL-Moorhead, to MinnPost
What we couldn’t verify
Whether Fischbach will debate Osberg outside the Farmfest forum had not been reported.
The grounds of David Hughes's endorsement challenge were not found in the articles read.
Congress reclaiming its constitutional authority over tariffs, which he calls 'reckless' and a driver of inflation.
Investment in rural health care systems, public schools and family farms.
A long-term farm policy rather than 'throwing billions of dollars' in bridge payments at the problem.
Fiscal responsibility, personal freedoms and local solutions to local problems.
Opposing the USDA reorganisation, which he calls 'chaos and uncertainty and dysfunction'.
What they’ve actually done
Documented record from official sources.
Rural Rebound Initiative coordinator for Otter Tail County; has worked in the public sector since 2017.
Co-produced the 'Rural By Choice' docuseries, which won a regional Emmy in 2023.
Won the 7th District DFL endorsement on April 25, 2026 and the August 11 primary with 65.7%.
Had raised $212,306 through the first quarter of 2026, according to MinnPost.
Has not held elected office.
Arguments in favor
'This campaign has taken an earned not given approach' — 17 months showing up in all 38 counties to 'restore real representation to Minnesota's 7th Congressional District'.
— Erik Osberg, primary-night statement shared by the Minnesota DFL
Former Rep. Collin Peterson, the district's long-time Democratic congressman, has been 'very supportive' and advised him on working with farmers.
— Erik Osberg, to MinnPost
Arguments against
The administration's trade approach is working — 20 trade agreements signed, with agriculture usually the winner — and USDA leadership is out 'listening to people… with boots on the ground'.
— Michelle Fischbach, responding at Farmfest, reported by Agweek
What we couldn’t verify
No published criticism of Osberg personally by Fischbach's campaign, the NRCC or a news outlet could be found; the entry above is Fischbach's rebuttal of his tariff and USDA positions.
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: Republican incumbent Michelle Fischbach, unopposed in her primary after winning the party endorsement on the third ballot over David Hughes, and DFL nominee Erik Osberg, who beat Steve Carlson 65.7% to 34.3%. No minor-party or independent candidate was found on Ballotpedia's general election list. Roster from Wikipedia, Ballotpedia, MPR News, KAXE and the West Central Tribune. The district covers 38 counties in western Minnesota from the Canadian border to Pipestone, Murray and Cottonwood counties. Fischbach won in 2024 by 70.5% to 29.5%; the Cook Political Report rates the seat solid Republican.
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.