Who's running in Minnesota's 8th 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 · Pete Stauber 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.
Expanding mining in northern Minnesota, including copper-nickel mining in the Superior National Forest.
Domestic production of critical minerals for jobs and national security.
Preventing any future president from unilaterally banning mining in the region.
Trade access for farmers.
What they’ve actually done
Documented record from official sources.
US Representative for Minnesota's 8th District since January 2019; won in 2024 with 58%.
Former Duluth police officer; Hermantown City Council; St. Louis County commissioner, 2013–2019.
Authored House Joint Resolution 140, which repealed the Biden administration's 20-year mining withdrawal on 225,504 acres of the Superior National Forest; it passed the Senate 50–49 on April 16, 2026.
Voted against the 2021 bipartisan infrastructure law, according to his opponent.
Won the August 11, 2026 Republican primary with 86.4%; endorsed by President Trump.
Arguments in favor
Ending the mining ban was 'a major victory for America and for Minnesota's families and workers': never again can a Democratic administration unilaterally ban mining there, 'killing jobs and locking away trillions of dollars of critical minerals'. 'Mining is our past, our present, and our future.'
— Pete Stauber, statement on the Senate vote reported by KAXE
Reversing the ban protects northern Minnesota jobs and strengthens national security through domestic production; the ban was an attack on Minnesota's way of life.
— Pete Stauber, as reported by KAXE
Arguments against
'Pete Stauber is working overtime to enrich a Chilean mining conglomerate that's going to send our precious natural resources to China… Northern Minnesota deserves a better deal.'
— Luke Gulbranson, pro-mining Democrat and primary candidate, statement reported by Bring Me The News
He puts corporate interests above his constituents, and people credit him for Duluth infrastructure money even though 'he voted against Biden's infrastructure bill'.
— Trina Swanson, DFL opponent, to Northern News Now and KAXE
'A copper-sulfide mine on the doorstep of the Boundary Waters' is not a good idea; the repeal comes down 'on the side of a Chilean billionaire' against tribal treaty rights and clean water.
— Sen. Tina Smith, D-Minnesota, on the Senate floor, reported by KAXE
What we couldn’t verify
Stauber's campaign website could not be loaded, and his campaign did not respond to the Duluth News Tribune on primary night.
Whether the candidates will debate outside the Farmfest forum had not been reported.
Tackling the affordability crisis and making corporations and the wealthiest pay their fair share of taxes.
Permanent protection of the Boundary Waters watershed, while supporting mining conducted safely elsewhere.
More guardrails and standards for data centers.
Representation 'for the working class and the 99%, and not the 1%'.
What they’ve actually done
Documented record from official sources.
About 25 years at US Citizenship and Immigration Services; former director of international operations.
Left federal service in 2025 and opened an immigration law firm.
Won the DFL endorsement in spring 2026 and the August 11 primary with 77.2%.
Led the DFL field in fundraising before the primary, according to Northern News Now and KAXE.
Endorsed by Save the Boundary Waters Action Fund.
Has not held elected office.
Won the DFL endorsement in May 2026 with more than 70% of delegates; beat Luke Gulbranson in the August 11 primary. Endorsed by 2022 and 2024 DFL nominee Jen Schultz.
Arguments in favor
'I know why Washington works, but more importantly, why Washington doesn't work. And I can go in and hit the ground on day one with that experience.' Her campaign stresses that she won the DFL endorsement with more than 70% of convention delegates and has visited all 21 counties while Stauber holds only virtual town halls.
— Trina Swanson, to the Duluth News Tribune and WTIP
Arguments against
Her federal career is no substitute for lived experience: his own life experiences are 'better than any political or governmental role in understanding what everyday people need,' and as 'an Iron Ranger, union member, and small business owner' he, not Swanson, was 'the best candidate to take on Pete Stauber.'
— Luke Gulbranson, DFL primary opponent, to the Duluth News Tribune and in KAXE's candidate guide
What we couldn’t verify
No published criticism of Swanson by Stauber's campaign, the NRCC or a news outlet could be found after searching, so neither column is filled; supportive statements from the Minnesota DFL and Save the Boundary Waters Action Fund are reflected in her record.
Swanson's campaign website could not be confirmed.
Her position on the proposed Google data centre in Hermantown was reported only as needing more information.
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 Pete Stauber, who beat Anthony Hamilton with 86.4% in the primary, and DFL nominee Trina Swanson, who beat Luke Gulbranson and John Munter with 77.2%. No minor-party or independent candidate was found on Ballotpedia's general election list. Roster from Wikipedia, Ballotpedia, MPR News, KAXE and the Duluth News Tribune. The district covers about a third of Minnesota — the Arrowhead and Iron Range, Duluth, and central Minnesota south to the Twin Cities exurbs. Stauber won in 2024 with 58% of the vote. Stauber's 2026 resolution ending a federal mining ban near the Boundary Waters is a central issue in the race.
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.