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<h4>During Teachers’ Appreciation Week, local education leaders are highlighting how Congressional Candidate Jake Johnson would be a champion for students and educators across southern Minnesota.</h4>SOUTHERN MINN. — Today, the President of the Rochester Education Association and prominent members of teachers’ unions across Rochester and Byron endorsed Jake Johnson, candidate for Minnesota’s first congressional district. This comes in the wake of proposed cuts to federal K-12 funding, and steps to eliminate the Department of Education supported by Congressman Brad Finstad. “I’m supporting Jake because he is honest and has integrity,” said Vince Wagner, President of the Rochester Education Association, the union for more than 1,000 employees of Rochester Public Schools. “Jake’s work for Union members is relentless. He serves our members without rest, prioritizing their well-being.” “I have known Jake Johnson for several years, as one of our school district’s hardest workers, one of our union’s most tireless advocates, and as one of my own child’s best teachers,” said Simon Glaser, Vice President of the Rochester Education Association and Candidate for Minnesota Senate District 24. “He represents the best of Southern Minnesota, and he is exactly who we need right now to win Congressional District 1.”&nbsp; “I am proud to support Jake Johnson for US Congress in Minnesota's 1st District. I am excited to support a fellow educator who has spent nearly two decades shaping young minds and is determined to advocate for policies that prioritize students, teachers, and working families over corporate interests,” said Justin Blom, member of Byron Education Association and Byron City Council Member. “Jake Johnson will be a powerful voice for common sense solutions and real change in Washington, and his experiences will make him a strong candidate to represent the diverse needs of southern Minnesota.”Jake Johnson grew up as a poor kid in Stewartville, Minnesota. He remembers going to bed hungry in a drafty house during the harsh Minnesota winter, but through hard work, strong community support, his mother's food stamps and stepfather's veterans benefits, and a quality public education, Jake was able to elevate himself to the middle class. Because of Pell Grants and Stafford loans from the Department of Education, he was able to attend the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. After he graduated, he wanted to give back to his community and interviewed for just one job: a math teacher position in Rochester Public Schools. For 19 years, Jake has taught students from remedial math to AP Calculus to help every student reach their full potential. Jake is a proud member of his union’s bargaining team, where he negotiates to raise wages and improve working conditions for over 1,000 teachers, nurses, and social workers in the district. Jake has also been active in his community, serving on the board of the financial literacy nonprofit Minnesota Jumpstart Coalition, and organizing for the recent school referendum in Rochester.Jake and his wife Molly live in Rochester with their four young boys.###

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Jake grew up in Stewartville with ten siblings, as the son of a garbage man and a meter reader. Jake worked hard to make it into the middle class, supported along the way by his church community, public programs, and great teachers, which inspired him to become a teacher. For the past 20 years, Jake has taught high school math in Rochester, helping students solve tough problems and discover what they’re capable of. He has also navigated complex budget debates as a Government Relations Coordinator, and has increased financial literacy among kids on the board of the Minnesota Jump$tart Coalition.Jake and his wife Molly, who works as a paraprofessional, are now raising four boys in Southern Minnesota. They feel the rising cost of groceries, utilities, and healthcare just like so many other families, and Jake knows that it stands in the way of his kids and his students being able to achieve their full potential. That's why Jake is running for Congress to make life more affordable, so that the next generation has the same shot at the American Dream that he did.Learn more <a style="color: var(--color-text); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text);" href="/meet-jake">about Jake</a> and <a style="color: var(--color-text); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text);" href="/priorities">his priorities</a>, and sign up to <a style="color: var(--color-text); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text);" href="https://secure.actblue.com/donate/jjfc-website-2026" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">donate</a> or <a style="color: var(--color-text); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text);" href="https://www.volunteer.jakejohnsonforcongress.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">volunteer</a>!

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<h2>DONATE TO JAKE JOHNSON For Congress</h2><ul><li>Click <a href="https://secure.actblue.com/donate/jjfc-website-2026" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a> to visit our ActBlue page, where you can securely make a donation via Credit Card, PayPal, Google Pay, or Venmo; OR</li><li>Write a check addressed to Jake Johnson for Congress and mail it to Jake Johnson for Congress, PO Box 6295, Rochester, MN 55903. </li></ul>

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Bringing down costs. Taking on corruption. Investing in our small towns.

Solving Problems for Southern Minnesota

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May 7, 2025

Rochester &amp; Byron Teachers Union Leaders Endorse Jake Johnson

Jake attended Stewartville High School where he played football, basketball, and baseball, and was just good enough to catch the eye of his future wife, Molly. He mowed lawns and received Pell Grants to be able to afford college at the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse, just across the river from home.After graduating, Jake and Molly got married and started building their life together. Jake got the first job he applied for: teaching math in Rochester Public Schools. Jake was excited to help others just like his teachers had helped him.

<h3>I'm focused on bringing down costs, taking on corruption, and investing in our small towns.</h3>I grew up as a poor kid in a small town in Southern Minnesota, and I made it to the middle class because I worked hard and people invested in me. Today, my wife and I are raising four boys on the salaries of a teacher and a paraprofessional, and we know just how expensive groceries, utilities, and healthcare are these days. As I’ve traveled across our congressional district, I’ve met families losing their local clinics, small business owners closing their doors, and farmers being squeezed by tariffs and rising input costs. I worry that my kids and my students won’t be able to make it in this economy, even if they work hard and play by the rules.Life shouldn’t be this expensive, and it doesn’t have to be. There is so much our government could do to make life cheaper and easier. But when career politicians are bankrolled by billionaires and big corporations, they become defenders of the broken status quo, helping the wealthy and well-connected at our expense. When only 2% of Congress comes from the working class, it’s no wonder that Washington keeps leaving communities like ours behind.&nbsp;I’m running for Congress to change this, so that we can finally start building an economy that works for all of us. Here’s what that looks like:<ul><li>Bringing down costs: I’ll vote to end the massive tariffs driving up prices and shutting down export markets. I’ll take on the corporate monopolies that are raising costs for consumers and producers, and keeping wages low for workers. I’ll cut red tape so we can quickly build new homes and expand childcare options. And I will support tax cuts for working families and small businesses, paid for by raising taxes and closing loopholes for the super wealthy.</li><li>Taking on corruption: I won’t take a dime of corporate PAC money, so I’ll always answer to you. I will vote to ban members of Congress from trading stocks and from becoming lobbyists. I’ll support constitutional amendments to establish term limits, to ban pardons for family and donors, and to require a balanced budget. Perhaps most importantly, I will always stand up to corruption in government no matter which party or politician is responsible for it.</li><li>Investing in our small towns: Our small towns need actual investments, not excessive regulations. That means finally passing a bipartisan farm bill, ensuring farmers have the right to repair their own equipment, and extending tax credits for health insurance. It also means protecting Social Security, Medicare, and Veterans benefits, and undoing the recent cuts to Medicaid (Medical Assistance) and SNAP. Finally, it includes investing in clean water, special education, and medical research and ag innovation that creates new jobs here in Minnesota, not in China.</li></ul>Regardless of whether you vote for me or not, I believe we all deserve a representative who actually shows up. That’s why I’ll hold 21 in-person town hall meetings (one in each of our congressional district’s 21 counties) before the election. And if I’m elected, I’ll hold another 21 town hall meetings during my term in Congress. I’ll also make constituent services a top priority. You’ll never have to play hide and seek to find me.I’m ready to rebuild the American Dream. I hope you’ll join me in that effort.- Jake Johnson

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End the massive tariffs and fight the corporate monopolies.

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Support term limits and refuse money from corporate PACs.

Take on corruption

Finally pass a bipartisan farm bill and fund rural healthcare.

Invest in small towns

Hold <a href="/4ebe440f-8b18-4e2a-865d-310b9038c0d2">21 in-person town hall meetings</a> —&nbsp;one in each county of the First Congressional District.

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May 16, 2025

Local Leaders Endorse Jake Johnson

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<h4>FIRST TIME CONGRESSIONAL CANDIDATE SHATTERS END OF QUARTER FUNDRAISING RECORDS IN THE DISTRICT</h4>Jake Johnson, a public school teacher and union leader from southern MN, raised over $260,000 in the first quarter of his campaign, signaling early support from Minnesotans across CD-1.&nbsp; ROCHESTER, Minn. – Since his April 17th launch, Jake Johnson, CD-1 congressional candidate, raised over $260,000 by the FEC end of quarter deadline on June 30th. This amount raised sets a new record for a first time candidate’s first quarter in the race for this seat. “A quarter of a million dollars is not something I take lightly having been on a public school staff payroll for the past two decades. This kind of money sets our campaign up for success by giving our volunteers and staff the resources they need to put our campaign on the map almost a year and a half before election day,” said Jake Johnson. “We had donors from all 21 counties in our district, and folks on average were chipping in less than $50. I am incredibly grateful to everyone who contributed, especially those going through tough times who believe in our campaign enough to make this kind of sacrifice. We will never stop fighting for you.”&nbsp; In addition to donors from every county in the district, the campaign saw donations from over 4,500 unique donors, and over 5,300 total donations. More than 95% of donations were $100 or less, signaling strong grassroots support. The campaign took no money from corporate PACs and intends to keep it that way. ###

Here's why I'm running for Congress, and what I've heard from people across Southern Minnesota so far.

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<h4>Jake Johnson, a public school teacher from southern Minnesota, launched his campaign to challenge Congressman Brad Finstad on Thursday, April 17th. Donors contributed over $100,000 during the course of the first day.&nbsp;</h4>ROCHESTER, Minn. – On Thursday, Jake Johnson launched his campaign for Congress to earn the trust and votes of residents across southern Minnesota. Within a day, the campaign raised over $100,000, demonstrating the significant grassroots support behind his candidacy.“People were chipping in anywhere from the cost of a cup of coffee, to a month of rent. Especially when money is so tight for so many, these contributions show that people are deeply frustrated by what they’re getting with Finstad in office, and are seeing something special happening with our campaign,” Jake Johnson said. “This is just day one – we have a long way to go. But the message is loud and clear: the people of southern Minnesota want a change, and we’re going to get that, together.”&nbsp;Additionally, Jake Johnson hosted his first campaign event last night: a meet and greet in Fairmont. He plans to hold a town hall in every county of Minnesota’s first district.<img src="https://run.imgix.net/98efac20-09d5-40de-bced-671be80133fe/ad210f99-a378-4cf8-8f1f-ed7a201e874c/ad210f99-a378-4cf8-8f1f-ed7a201e874c.png?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C1872%2C1400&amp;w=1500" alt="Jake Johnson speaking with over 30 constituents in Fairmont on launch day." caption="Jake Johnson speaking to constituents in Fairmont on launch day." align="middle" alignwidth="35" variant="framed">Jake Johnson speaking to constituents in Fairmont on launch day.Jake Johnson grew up as a poor kid in Stewartville, Minnesota. He remembers going to bed hungry in a drafty house during the harsh Minnesota winter, but through hard work, strong community support, his mother's food stamps and stepfather's veterans benefits, and a quality public education, Jake was able to elevate himself to the middle class. Because of Pell Grants and Stafford loans from the Department of Education, he was able to attend the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. After he graduated, he wanted to give back to his community and interviewed for just one job: a math teacher position in Rochester Public Schools. For 19 years, Jake has taught students from remedial math to AP Calculus to help every student reach their full potential. Jake is a proud member of his union’s bargaining team, where he negotiates to raise wages and improve working conditions for over 1,000 teachers, nurses, and social workers in the district. Jake has also been active in his community, serving on the board of the financial literacy nonprofit Minnesota Jumpstart Coalition, and organizing for the recent school referendum in Rochester.Jake and his wife Molly live in Rochester with their four young boys.###

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Outside of the classroom, Jake has navigated complex policy and budget debates as the Governmental Relations Coordinator and a bargaining team member for his union. His work helped improve wages and working conditions for 1,000+ teachers, nurses, and counselors. He has served on the board of the Minnesota Jump$tart Coalition, which improves financial literacy for kids and young adults, and he helped lead a referendum campaign that kept three public schools from closing.Jake and Molly — a paraprofessional who works with deaf and hard-of-hearing children — are raising their four boys just 10 minutes from where Jake grew up. In his spare time, Jake enjoys distance running, reading books with his kids, and staying optimistic about the Vikings.

Will you be eligible to vote in Minnesota's first congressional district by November 3rd? Then help us get Jake on the ballot by following these 3 steps:

We have put together a step-by-step video guide here. Or you can download our printable How-To Guide.

Jake grew up in Stewartville, Minnesota, with 10 siblings in a working-class family. His dad collected garbage and his mom went door to door&nbsp;reading meters. When his parents got divorced,&nbsp;Jake helped his mom and stepdad, a disabled Vietnam veteran, raise his younger siblings.Growing up, times were tough. Jake and his family worked hard, but that wouldn’t have been enough on its own. His small town community, his church, and his teachers helped him stay on track, and public programs like SNAP and Medicaid were lifelines.&nbsp;

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<h4>Jake Johnson: “D.C. politicians like Brad Finstad are jacking up our bills while gutting Social Security and Medicaid. I’m excited to hold a town hall in every county in our district to hear how we can make government work for regular people.”</h4>ROCHESTER, Minn. — Today, lifelong southern Minnesotan and Democrat Jake Johnson — teacher, union leader, husband, and father — announced he is running for Congress in Minnesota’s first district to challenge Congressman Brad Finstad.Jake is launching this grassroots campaign to hear from and earn the support of people across the first district who have been ignored by politicians in Washington. This comes in response to billionaire-funded efforts to ransack the government at the expense of working people, with Congressman Brad Finstad voting to cut Medicaid, supporting the tariffs that are bankrupting farmers and driving up grocery bills, trying to ban nearly all abortions nationally, and enabling Elon Musk to attack Social Security and funding for the Mayo Clinic.Jake, on the other hand, having spent his career serving this community, is well equipped to fight for people across the district. Jake has lived the American Dream and wants to ensure fellow Minnesotans can also lead their lives with dignity and opportunity. Jake is running for Congress to make sure every child has access to a quality public education, to ensure every senior has Social Security and Medicare, and to enable every family to afford their everyday needs.&nbsp;“Teaching in Rochester Public Schools for the past 19 years has been the joy of my professional life. But seeing the destruction and chaos coming out of Washington has pushed me to do more to make sure my students can thrive in southern Minnesota,” said Jake Johnson about his campaign launch. “Politicians in Washington are enriching themselves and their billionaire friends, while gutting the programs that allow everyday Minnesotans like those in my family to survive and succeed. Brad Finstad is hiding from the people he is harming, and it’s time we hold him accountable.”Jake Johnson grew up as a poor kid in Stewartville, Minnesota. He remembers going to bed hungry in a drafty house during the harsh Minnesota winter, but through hard work, strong community support, his mother's food stamps and stepfather's veterans' benefits, and a quality public education, Jake was able to elevate himself to the middle class. Because of Pell Grants and Stafford loans from the Department of Education, he was able to attend the University of Wisconsin, La Crosse. After he graduated, he wanted to give back to his community and interviewed for just one job: a math teacher position in Rochester Public Schools. For 19 years, Jake has taught students from remedial math to AP Calculus to help every student reach their full potential. Jake is a proud member of his union’s bargaining team, where he negotiates to raise wages and improve working conditions for over 1,000 teachers, nurses, and social workers in the district. Jake has also been active in his community, serving on the board of the financial literacy nonprofit Minnesota Jumpstart Coalition, and organizing for the recent school referendum in Rochester.Jake and his wife Molly live in Rochester with their four young boys.###

All of Jake's town halls are open to the public. The date and time for each town hall is provided below, and we will share the exact location for each event on this page five days before each town hall. You do NOT need to register to attend any of our town halls, but you are welcome to sign up for updates using the Mobilize links provided on this page, which will include an email with the location of the event when it is posted on this website. Questions will be taken from the audience without any pre-screening. No matter how you identify politically, all are welcome to join us!

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July 7, 2025

Jake Johnson Raises $260k by End of First Quarter

Mail the petition to PO Box 6295, Rochester, MN 55903.If possible, please mail them sooner! We would like to keep track of our progress towards our goal.

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For the past 20 years, Jake has taught students from all walks of life, in classes ranging from remedial math to AP Calculus. He’s done it with the belief that every student is capable of greatness if they work hard, no matter where they start from.Jake has helped dozens of students who were initially “projected to drop out of high school” not just stay in school, but end up taking accelerated math classes. Jake's success in the classroom has made him a two-time recipient of the highest recognition in the state for math education, given to no more than three K-12 math teachers per year.

April 18, 2025

Local teacher's grassroots campaign for congress raises over $100K on first day

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<h4>One month into his campaign, Jake Johnson receives endorsements from five local DFL leaders in the fight against the decisions of Washington politicians.&nbsp;</h4>SOUTHERN MINN. — Jake Johnson announced his campaign just under a month ago. Since then, he has met with Minnesotans across the district, <a href="https://www.jakejohnsonforcongress.com/raised-100k-on-first-day" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">raised over $100K within a day</a>, and built the start of a grassroots campaign to beat Rep. Brad Finstad. Today, Jake Johnson received endorsements from key local voices that have been part of the fight to oust Washington politicians like Brad Finstad and to ensure Minnesota stands up against the attacks from Washington. “I wholeheartedly endorse Jake Johnson for Congressional District 1 Representative,” said Anastasia Hopkins Folpe, Treasurer of the Olmsted County DFL. “Jake is a big reason the 2024 Rochester Public Schools Referendum was successful. He put in the work to make sure our public schools have what they need for the future. It's just one example of who Jake is, and why he will make a great representative for our district. His positivity, his grounding in rural Minnesota, and his vision for a better life for everyone are what we need here and in Congress.” “Jake has what it takes. He knows this district, he’s supported hundreds of students and families in this district, and I have no doubt that he will serve our district well,” said Caitlin Nicholson, former Chair of the First Congressional District DFL (2023-2025). “He’s a leader who listens more than he talks, and he’ll be an excellent leader to lift up our voices in Congress.” “Jake Johnson embodies character and integrity,” said Lynn Wilson, former Chair of the Olmsted County DFL (2000-2016). “A native of southern Minnesota, Jake overcame challenges to become an admired and respected father and educator. I am particularly impressed by Jake’s ability to actively listen, pose thoughtful questions, and comprehend our concerns. Jake possesses the qualities and expertise we can rely upon to effectively serve us in Washington D.C.” “Jake, growing up, had the first-hand experience of the economic struggles that working people are having right now. So a fight for economic fairness is in his DNA,” said Aleta Borrud, 2024 DFL Candidate for MN State Senate District 24. “And he is a proven leader, representing teachers and having headed up a winning referendum campaign for our district’s schools. I give him my enthusiastic endorsement.” “When I talked to Jake, he told it to me straight: ‘We can be doing better, and we can be doing more for working class Minnesotans.’ That's the kind of attitude I'm looking for from my representative,” said Allie Wolf, 2024 DFL candidate for MN House of Representatives District 26B. “We need someone who will stand up to corporate lobbyists and billionaires to protect the people who actually build and feed and fuel this country — us — and Jake Johnson is ready for that fight.” Jake Johnson grew up as a poor kid in Stewartville, Minnesota. He remembers going to bed hungry in a drafty house during the harsh Minnesota winter, but through hard work, strong community support, his mother's food stamps and stepfather's veterans benefits, and a quality public education, Jake was able to elevate himself to the middle class. Because of Pell Grants and Stafford loans from the Department of Education, he was able to attend the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. After he graduated, he wanted to give back to his community and interviewed for just one job: a math teacher position in Rochester Public Schools. For 19 years, Jake has taught students from remedial math to AP Calculus to help every student reach their full potential. Jake is a proud member of his union’s bargaining team, where he negotiates to raise wages and improve working conditions for over 1,000 teachers, nurses, and social workers in the district. Jake has also been active in his community, serving on the board of the financial literacy nonprofit Minnesota Jumpstart Coalition, and organizing for the recent school referendum in Rochester. Jake and his wife Molly live in Rochester with their four young boys. ###

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April 17, 2025

Jake Johnson announces grassroots campaign for congress to fight for working people and represent southern minnesotans

Jake is hosting 21 in-person town hall meetings —&nbsp;one in each of the congressional district's 21 counties. Come join us!

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On the first day of his congressional campaign, local teacher Jake Johnson raised over $100K.

Jake Johnson Raises Over $100K on First Day

Rochester & Byron Teachers Union Leaders Endorse

Raised 100K on First Day

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News from Jake Johnson, a lifelong math teacher and union leader who is running for Congress in Minnesota's first congressional district.

News — Jake Johnson for Congress

Today, lifelong southern Minnesotan Jake Johnson — teacher, union leader, husband, and father — announced he is running for Congress.

Jake Johnson Announces Grassroots Campaign for Congress

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Jake is running for Congress to empower working families across southern Minnesota.

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People across southern Minnesota reported getting a phone call Wednesday night inviting them to a telephone town hall with no prior notice.To this day, Congressman Brad Finstad has not held a public town hall meeting for his constituents in southern Minnesota. However, that hasn’t stopped him from claiming he has. For over a year, Finstad has engaged in “telephone town halls”. These over-the-phone forums consist of no prior notice and an audience selected by Finstad’s staff.Even more egregious, Southern Minnesotans from all across CD-1 reached out to Jake Johnson last night, relaying that they or their family members or coworkers had just received a call with a recorded message from Congressman Finstad saying “sorry I missed you.” Multiple listeners who got into the fake town hall reported to Jake that the questions appeared to be “softballs”.“Brad Finstad knows his constituents are upset with his decisions, and that’s why he won’t hold a real, public, in-person town hall with them,” said Jake Johnson. “That’s why he continues to put on these charades. He’s trying to pretend he’s answering to the people of southern Minnesota, when in reality he continues to be a puppet for his big corporate donors instead. If he were actually interested in hearing from southern Minnesotans, he’d show up for them in their communities ready to hear their actual questions, no prescreening necessary.”Jake has committed to hosting 21 in-person town halls before the election, and another 21 in every term he serves in Congress.###

People across southern Minnesota reported getting a phone call Wednesday night inviting them to a telephone town hall with no prior notice.

Jake Johnson Slams Brad Finstad for Holding Phony Telephone “Town Halls”

Jake Johnson refuses to take corporate PAC money, while his opponent Rep. Brad Finstad is bankrolled by big corporations.End Citizens United (ECU), a leading national anti-corruption organization, today endorsed Jake Johnson in Minnesota’s 1st Congressional District. Johnson is part of Unrig Washington, a program launched by ECU in which candidates reject corporate PAC money, support a ban on congressional stock trading, and work to end dark money in politics.“I’m grateful for the endorsement of End Citizens United,” said Jake Johnson. “While too many career politicians are using their office to benefit the donors who help them stay in power, I’m running for a different reason. I’m committed to fighting corruption so that people in our district can worry less about affording their daily necessities. I look forward to working with End Citizens United so that we can bring down costs and make the government work for our communities.”“Jake Johnson has served his community his whole life, and he is ready to bring that commitment to Congress,” said End Citizens United President Tiffany Muller. “Minnesotans are facing a cost of living crisis driven by corporate greed and a broken system that prioritizes the highest bidder. Jake is rejecting corporate PAC dollars because he will stand up for his constituents rather than wealthy special interests. We are proud to endorse him and look forward to helping him win in November.”Jake has received $0.00 from corporate PACs, which is a <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@stocking_the_capitol/video/7533724427465362702" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">stark contrast</a> to Finstad.###

Jake rejects corporate PAC money, supports a ban on congressional stock trading, and is working to end dark money in politics.

End Citizens United Endorses Jake Johnson

This morning,&nbsp;Jake Johnson was quoted in the Minnesota Star Tribune in <a href="https://www.startribune.com/theres-still-not-a-deal-for-expansion-of-e-15-ethanol-which-could-become-an-issue-in-midterms/601577214" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">an article</a> titled “D.C. Republicans struggle to cut deal for ethanol expansion, risking wrath from farmers.”Excerpt from Star Tribune article:Finstad, a farmer who sits on the House Agriculture Committee, had said it was “disappointing” that the House funding package did not include an E-15 provision. His office did not return multiple requests for a comment on this story.Jake Johnson, a Rochester teacher challenging Finstad, said last week farmers are closely watching what happens to E-15’s fate, as the district grows 3 million acres of corn annually.“The fact that our guy [Finstad] can’t deliver is a point of frustration,” Johnson said.###

Jake Johnson is quoted voicing his support for year-round E15 and criticizing Brad Finstad for continuing to fail to deliver on it.

Jake Johnson: “Our guy can’t deliver” on year-round E15

Congressman Brad Finstad has once again failed to deliver year-round E15 for southern Minnesota farmers and ethanol producers. Finstad’s vote for yesterday’s FY2026 appropriations package, which did not include year-round E15, comes after a similar failure just over a year ago when DOGE Caucus member Brad Finstad joined <a href="https://agnetwest.com/at-last-weeks-national-ethanol-conference-renewable-fuels-association-rfa-president-and-ceo-geoff-cooper-expressed-frustration-over-the-criticizes-musk-removal-year-round-e15-federal-spend/">Elon Musk’s push</a> to kill the provision.“Minnesotans don’t need another excuse or press release,” said Jake Johnson, candidate for Congress in Minnesota’s first district, responding to Finstad’s <a style="color: var(--color-text); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text);" href="https://finstad.house.gov/2026/1/finstad-releases-statement-following-exclusion-of-e15-in-fy-2026-appropriations-package" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">press release</a>. “Congressman Finstad has failed to deliver year-round E15, and he still has not gotten a farm bill done. The people of southern Minnesota deserve a representative who can actually solve problems and get results in a bipartisan fashion.”Year-round E15 would lower gas prices, strengthen markets for Minnesota corn growers, reduce dependence on foreign oil, and support good-paying jobs across the district. Instead, southern Minnesota families are left with uncertainty while Washington insiders protect powerful donors, including figures like Elon Musk and industries like Big Oil, who have actively opposed biofuel policies and <a href="https://www.opensecrets.org/members-of-congress/brad-finstad/pacs?cat=E01&amp;catlong=Oil+%26+Gas&amp;cid=N00050649&amp;cycle=2024&amp;seclong=Energy+%26+Natural+Resources&amp;sector=E">donate</a> to Finstad’s campaigns.###

Congressman Brad Finstad has once again failed to deliver year-round E15 for southern Minnesota farmers and ethanol producers.

Finstad fails again on year-round E15, building on his inability to pass a farm bill

The Rochester Education Association —&nbsp;which represents over 1,000 teachers, nurses, and counselors in Rochester Public Schools — is endorsing Jake Johnson in Minnesota’s first congressional district. Jake has spent 20 years as a public school teacher and a leader in REA, where he served on three bargaining teams and helped navigate complex policy and budget debates as its Governmental Relations Coordinator. “Jake has always put people first,” said Vince Wagner, President of REA. “The Rochester Education Association endorses him because we know he’ll do the same for every citizen in MN-01.”“As a member of REA for the past 20 years, I know how important it is to stand up for students, educators, and working families,” said Jake Johnson. “I’m grateful for REA’s support as we fight for working people across southern Minnesota.”###

The Rochester Education Association —&nbsp;which represents over 1,000 teachers, nurses, and counselors in Rochester Public Schools — is endorsing Jake Johnson.

Rochester Education Association Endorses Jake Johnson

Rochester, MN – Last night, Mayo Clinic announced that it will be closing six clinics and stripping Albert Lea of critical surgeries. Patients in Wells, St. Peter, Caledonia, and North Mankato will be forced to drive further for routine care, while Albert Lea residents will lose access to various local surgeries. The closures come just weeks after Congressman Brad Finstad voted to slash nearly $100 billion from rural Medicaid (Medical Assistance), which keeps rural clinics afloat.“Minnesotans are being told to settle for less while politicians like Brad Finstad defund Medicaid and hand the money to billionaires,” said Jake Johnson, a local math teacher and lifelong resident of southern Minnesota. “We need to stop selling out our small towns to the highest bidder, and instead fight to keep care close to home.”“This is personal to me. When I grew up in Stewartville, my family depended on healthcare that was funded through Medicaid,” Johnson continued. “Now those same lifelines are being ripped away, and our communities will pay with longer drives, higher costs, and fewer doctors.”Johnson’s campaign has made protecting Medicaid and rural healthcare a central priority. As he wrote in the Post Bulletin last week, “we deserve a congressman who will protect Medicaid, keep our rural hospitals open, and stand up to the big corporations driving up costs.”###

Jake Johnson issues statement on the closure of four clinics in southern Minnesota, following Finstad's vote to gut Medicaid.

Jake Johnson Says Rural Families Deserve Reliable Care, Not Finstad’s Clinic Closures

STEWARTVILLE, MN — Congressional candidate Jake Johnson is calling for immediate bipartisan action to protect the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and reopen the federal government. This comes after Congressman Brad Finstad, who chairs the House Subcommittee overseeing SNAP, led the effort to slash the program by nearly $200 billion. In a <a href="https://x.com/JakeJohnsonMN/status/1984691492489752615">new video</a> filmed in his hometown of Stewartville, Johnson shares his own story of growing up as one of eleven kids in a working-class family that relied on SNAP to make ends meet. <span class="image video image-center" data-embed="&lt;iframe width=&quot;560&quot; height=&quot;315&quot; src=&quot;https://www.youtube.com/embed/JMs2Fkj6d4w?si=hxe-5J7qYeKY74CM&quot; title=&quot;YouTube video player&quot; frameborder=&quot;0&quot; allow=&quot;accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share&quot; referrerpolicy=&quot;strict-origin-when-cross-origin&quot; allowfullscreen&gt;&lt;/iframe&gt;" style="width: 80%;"><img imageurl="https://run.imgix.net/98efac20-09d5-40de-bced-671be80133fe/b8365cc0-55cf-4b31-a5a2-5703ab705073/b8365cc0-55cf-4b31-a5a2-5703ab705073.png?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C1366%2C760&amp;w=1500" embedcode="&lt;iframe width=&quot;560&quot; height=&quot;315&quot; src=&quot;https://www.youtube.com/embed/JMs2Fkj6d4w?si=hxe-5J7qYeKY74CM&quot; title=&quot;YouTube video player&quot; frameborder=&quot;0&quot; allow=&quot;accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share&quot; referrerpolicy=&quot;strict-origin-when-cross-origin&quot; allowfullscreen&gt;&lt;/iframe&gt;" align="middle" alignwidth="40" src="https://run.imgix.net/98efac20-09d5-40de-bced-671be80133fe/b8365cc0-55cf-4b31-a5a2-5703ab705073/b8365cc0-55cf-4b31-a5a2-5703ab705073.png?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C1366%2C760&amp;w=1500" data-embed="&lt;iframe width=&quot;560&quot; height=&quot;315&quot; src=&quot;https://www.youtube.com/embed/JMs2Fkj6d4w?si=hxe-5J7qYeKY74CM&quot; title=&quot;YouTube video player&quot; frameborder=&quot;0&quot; allow=&quot;accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share&quot; referrerpolicy=&quot;strict-origin-when-cross-origin&quot; allowfullscreen&gt;&lt;/iframe&gt;"><span class="video-button-placeholder" data-embed="&lt;iframe width=&quot;560&quot; height=&quot;315&quot; src=&quot;https://www.youtube.com/embed/JMs2Fkj6d4w?si=hxe-5J7qYeKY74CM&quot; title=&quot;YouTube video player&quot; frameborder=&quot;0&quot; allow=&quot;accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share&quot; referrerpolicy=&quot;strict-origin-when-cross-origin&quot; allowfullscreen&gt;&lt;/iframe&gt;">“Food stamps were a vital part of how my parents kept food on our table,” Johnson says in the video. “But today, food is more expensive than ever. Families who are doing everything right are still coming up short at the checkout line. And the same politicians who caused these prices with tariffs and handouts to big corporations are now trying to gut the program that keeps kids from going hungry.” Johnson’s lived experience contrasts sharply with Finstad’s background and record. Finstad is a multimillionaire and one of the <a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/members/report-cards/2024/house/ideology">most partisan members</a> of Congress. He is the Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Nutrition and Foreign Agriculture, which cut $186 billion from SNAP in the same bill that gave $1 trillion in <a href="https://itep.org/top-1-to-receive-1-trillion-tax-cut-from-trump-megabill-over-next-decade/">tax breaks</a> to the richest 1% of Americans. Meanwhile, Johnson, a public school teacher and a union leader, is running for Congress to bring down costs for working families and take on the corruption that got us here in the first place. During this government shutdown, Finstad has been reading off his <a href="https://finstad.house.gov/2025/9/finstad-statement-on-reckless-democrat-government-shutdown">partisan talking points</a> and refusing to do anything that would actually end this stalemate. Meanwhile, Johnson has highlighted how he would be a bipartisan problem solver, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/jakejohnsonmn/posts/pfbid0yDMuaXaS8QMeg52FusbTP44ChiPihHrqgzovSfM6uksPAmqVcNMg1v8B6zQEoMK2l">calling for a deal</a> where both sides give up some of their demands in order to end the shutdown and get food to hungry kids.The full video is available <a href="https://x.com/JakeJohnsonMN/status/1984691492489752615">here</a>.###

Johnson highlights how he would be a bipartisan problem solver, calling for a deal where both sides give up some of their demands in order to end the shutdown and get food to hungry kids.

Jake Johnson Calls for a Bipartisan Deal to Protect SNAP and Open the Government

ROCHESTER, MN — Yesterday, after hosting a closed-door meeting with pre-selected attendees, Brad Finstad <a href="https://www.postbulletin.com/news/local/finstad-holds-roundtable-with-rochester-business-leaders-on-labor-needs">said</a> “We could have called it a town hall. We could have called it whatever we wanted to call it.”"Everyone knows that a closed-door meeting with handpicked attendees isn't a town hall,” said Jake Johnson. “If Brad Finstad wants to see what a real town hall looks like, he's welcome to attend any of the 21 town halls I'm hosting across southern Minnesota. The schedule is public, everyone is welcome, and nobody has to submit their questions in advance."The last two congressmen from southern Minnesota — one <a href="https://www.postbulletin.com/news/hagedorn-to-hold-1st-in-person-town-hall-of-2021">Republican</a> and one <a href="https://www.mprnews.org/story/2009/12/03/walz-town-hall">Democrat</a> — used to host town hall meetings. Meanwhile, Rep. Finstad refuses to hold a single town hall meeting, instead only hosting closed-door meetings and pre-selected conference calls, and accusing his constituents of throwing “<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SyENQan7r5I&amp;feature=youtu.be">a hissy fit</a>” for wanting to ask him questions.Jake is offering a different approach, <a href="https://www.jakejohnsonforcongress.com/news/townhalls?source=b18d2f3b-dc85-4723-9878-9e793cc5065a">announcing</a> 21 in-person town hall meetings across southern Minnesota. Jake <a href="https://www.jakejohnsonforcongress.com/news/jake-johnson-holds-more-town-hall-meetings-than-brad-finstad?source=b18d2f3b-dc85-4723-9878-9e793cc5065a">held</a> his first town hall meeting last week in Faribault; which was announced in advance, open to the public, and had no prescreening of questions.###

Brad Finstad said that a closed-door, private roundtable with selected attendees could be called a town hall. Meanwhile, Jake Johnson is hosting 21 real town halls.

Brad Finstad throws a hissy fit about town halls. Jake Johnson hosts them.

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Jake Johnson, a public school teacher and union leader from southern MN, raised over $260,000 in the first quarter of his campaign, signaling early support from Minnesotans across CD-1.

In less than three months, math teacher Jake Johnson will hold 21 more in-person town halls than politician Brad Finstad has held in his four years in Congress. Dates are available <a href="https://www.jakejohnsonforcongress.com/events" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>.Today, Jake Johnson announced a district-wide town hall tour that will span all 21 counties in Minnesota's first congressional district this summer. The tour comes as Congressman Brad Finstad has refused to hold an in-person town hall meeting since first being elected to Congress in August 2022, instead accusing constituents of throwing “<a href="https://youtu.be/SyENQan7r5I">a hissy fit</a>” for simply wanting to hear from him."If you’re going to represent the people, you have to actually listen to them," said Jake Johnson. "Folks are watching costs go up while the federal government actively makes it worse. The people of southern Minnesota deserve a representative who will show up and solve problems to make life more affordable. The previous two representatives in southern Minnesota, one Republican and one Democrat, both used to hold in-person town hall meetings. If Brad Finstad won’t do his job, I will. I look forward to meeting with Minnesotans in every corner of our district over the next several months.”Growing up in southern Minnesota, Jake's family benefited from a congressman who met with Jake’s mother and helped her cut through the VA’s red tape so they could receive the survivorship benefits they were entitled to.Each of Jake’s 21 town hall meetings will be open to the public, and questions will be taken from the audience without any pre-screening. Many of these town halls will be moderated by a trusted, nonpartisan leader in the community. More information for each event is available on the campaign’s website, and exact venue locations will be shared publicly prior to each event being held. If elected, Jake will hold another 21 in-person town hall meetings for each term that he serves in Congress so that he can continue to be a strong advocate for his constituents’ concerns in Washington DC.<img src="https://run.imgix.net/98efac20-09d5-40de-bced-671be80133fe/11e7ed3a-76f7-43c7-94e5-8aa501c794d2/11e7ed3a-76f7-43c7-94e5-8aa501c794d2.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C1920%2C1080&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="center" alignwidth="40" variant="framed"><h3>Schedule for Jake Johnson's 21 County Town Hall Tour:</h3><ul><li>June 20 —&nbsp;Rice County</li><li>July 6 — Jackson County</li><li>July 14 — Winona County</li><li>July 16 — Waseca County</li><li>July 20 — Watownan County</li><li>July 21 — Wabasha County</li><li>July 23 —&nbsp;Mower County</li><li>July 27 —&nbsp;Fillmore County</li><li>July 29 —&nbsp;Faribault County</li><li>August 1 —&nbsp;Blue Earth County</li><li>August 6 —&nbsp;Rock County</li><li>August 10 —&nbsp;Nobles County</li><li>August 11 — Freeborn County</li><li>August 15 — Olmsted County</li><li>August 16 —&nbsp;Goodhue County</li><li>August 17 —&nbsp;Brown County</li><li>August 18 —&nbsp;Nicollet County</li><li>August 24 —&nbsp;Steele County</li><li>August 25 —&nbsp;Houston County</li><li>August 27 —&nbsp;Martin County</li><li>August 31 —&nbsp;Dodge County</li></ul>###

Jake's 21 town halls — one in each county in the district — is a sharp contrast to Brad Finstad, who refuses to hold a single one.

Jake Johnson Announces 21 In-Person Town Halls Across Southern Minnesota While Brad Finstad Hides

&nbsp;Today, public school teacher and first-time candidate Jake Johnson announced he has raised more than $750,000 for his bid to flip Minnesota’s first congressional district after bringing in over $240,000 in Q4. Since launching in April 2025, his campaign has received over 14,000 donations with most of them coming from Minnesota, and none of them coming from corporations. “Our message of bringing down costs, taking on corruption, and investing in our small towns is clearly resonating across southern Minnesota,” said Jake Johnson. “We will keep working hard to give our neighbors a representative who shows up for them, not for billionaires and big corporations.”While Representative Brad Finstad is bankrolled by <a href="https://www.opensecrets.org/members-of-congress/finstad-brad/summary?cid=N00050649">corporate PACs</a> and <a href="https://rollcall.com/2022/12/16/bankman-fried-made-agriculture-panel-members-focus-of-campaign-support/">convicted fraudsters</a>, Jake is <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DS3xZ0DDS0-/">cleaning</a> his neighbors’ driveways and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DNqyiv1s0zA/">washing</a> cars with his former students, many of whom are working on his grassroots campaign. Jake has not taken a dime from corporate PACs, and 95% of the contributions to his campaign have been $100 or less.###

Jake Johnson raises $750K in the first three quarters of his campaign without taking a single penny from corporations, which is a stark contrast with his opponent.

Jake Johnson Raises More than $750K Since Launch

One month into his campaign, Jake Johnson receives endorsements from five local DFL leaders in the fight against the decisions of Washington politicians.

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Event title here

Today, Jake Johnson announced that he has been endorsed by the Committee to Protect Health Care. The organization is made up of health care professionals and advocates fighting to build a pro-patient health care majority in Congress and state legislatures to create an America where everyone has the care they need to thrive.“Jake understands that health care should be centered around working people, not corporate profits or political agendas,” said Dr. Rob Davidson, Executive Director for the Committee to Protect Health Care. “They’ve shown a commitment not just to protecting health care, but to expanding and improving it for Americans. At a time when patients and families are facing rising costs for everything, including their monthly premiums, prescription drugs costs, and more, it’s critical to have leaders in Congress like Jake who will look out for them and their health, not the health of billionaires’ pocketbooks and corporate bottom lines.”“Healthcare is too expensive and too inaccessible,” said Jake Johnson. “I’m proud to be endorsed by the Committee to Protect Health Care and I look forward to supporting legislation in Congress that prioritizes patients, supports healthcare workers, and makes healthcare more affordable and accessible in southern Minnesota.”###

The organization is made up of health care professionals and advocates fighting to build a pro-patient health care majority in Congress.

Committee to Protect Health Care endorses Jake Johnson

Jake Johnson, candidate in Minnesota’s first congressional district, issued the following statement today after Representative Brad Finstad voted against the war powers resolution to stop the war in Iran.“We cannot afford another reckless war in the Middle East that risks the lives of more Minnesota service members,”&nbsp;said Jake Johnson, who is running for Congress against Brad Finstad.“Spending billions of dollars on endless wars in foreign countries needs to end. I wouldn’t have voted for this war, and instead would have put this money toward making health care, groceries, and utilities cheaper in southern Minnesota. Congress must take action to stop this conflict from escalating further and risking the lives of more service members.”Brad Finstad, who claims to care about the national debt, just voted to continue the decades-long pattern of reckless spending in the Middle East. The United States&nbsp;<a href="https://jakejohnsonforcongress.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=707cc47da356a86ba4908e117&amp;id=baf7dc695c&amp;e=0ee2a97521" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">has now spent</a>&nbsp;over $8 trillion in the Middle East.###

Jake Johnson: "We cannot afford another reckless war in the Middle East that risks the lives of more Minnesota service members."

Jake Johnson Criticizes Brad Finstad for Voting for the Iran War

Today, the Supreme Court ruled that the President overreached his constitutional authority in imposing the sweeping tariffs that raised costs across southern Minnesota.“Today’s decision is a huge win for southern Minnesota,”&nbsp;said Jake Johnson. “For the past year, Brad Finstad voted over and over to protect these unconstitutional tariffs even when they raised costs and harmed our communities. Today, the Supreme Court has finally put the responsibility back on Congress to do its job, but it’s already clear where Finstad stands: not on the side of our farmers, families, or small businesses.”Recent&nbsp;<a href="https://us.list-manage.com/S2AkRct5mXo?e=8794618caf&amp;c2id=453b9c5e9b3ea918bd6e023ae833e322" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">research</a>&nbsp;shows that these reckless tariffs have cost the average American household over $1,000 per year, and threatened the livelihood of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.postbulletin.com/business/2025-in-review-tariffs-made-it-a-wild-year-for-busy-baby" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">small businesses</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.startribune.com/tariff-trade-ware-soybean-minnesota-farm-aid-trump-bill-commdodity-credit-corporation-bailout/601481514" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">soybean farmers</a>&nbsp;across southern Minnesota. Meanwhile, Finstad has repeatedly backed these tariffs instead of showing any independence on an issue that disproportionately harms his constituents in southern Minnesota. ###

Jake Johnson: "Today's decision is a huge win for southern Minnesota."

Jake Johnson Celebrates Relief for Southern Minnesota from Unconstitutional Tariffs that Brad Finstad Supported at Every Opportunity

Brad Finstad dodged 16 requests for comment from Southern Minnesota’s largest daily newspaper, all while he refuses to hold a single in-person town hall meeting.Today, the two largest newspapers in southern Minnesota published damaging coverage of Rep. Brad Finstad, highlighting concerns about his accessibility, fundraising, and record as Jake Johnson’s grassroots campaign continues to gain strength.&nbsp;Mankato Free Press:&nbsp;<a style="color: var(--color-text-accent-secondary); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text-accent-secondary);" href="https://www.mankatofreepress.com/news/local_news/no-comment-finstad-on-iran-ice-the-press/article_a43eb45d-ba00-4140-8b64-e350fdd690fb.html">No comment: Finstad on Iran, ICE, the press</a>A new&nbsp;Mankato Free Press&nbsp;report detailed Finstad’s lack of transparency and engagement with constituents and the press.&nbsp;Finstad has not responded to a single one of 16 requests for comment from the paper over nearly a year, raising serious questions about accountability.The article also highlights Finstad’s refusal to hold in-person town halls, frustrating constituents. One resident, who complimented former Republican Rep. Jim Hagedorn for holding town halls, summed it up bluntly:&nbsp;“Finstad’s just a non-entity as far as I’m concerned.”When asked about avoiding public forums, Finstad dismissed concerned constituents, saying he wouldn’t “give in to their mob mentality” where people “come with their pitchforks and scream.”“If Brad Finstad wants to learn more about me, or about what it looks like to actually show up and listen, he’s welcome to join one of our 21 in-person town halls this summer,”&nbsp;said Jake Johnson in the article.On key issues like the war in Iran, the report notes Finstad has made very few public comments, even after voting against efforts to end the conflict driving up costs for farmers and families across southern Minnesota.&nbsp;Post Bulletin:&nbsp;<a style="color: var(--color-text-accent-secondary); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text-accent-secondary);" href="https://www.postbulletin.com/news/local/dfler-jake-johnson-significantly-outpaces-gop-congressman-brad-finstad-in-1st-quarter-fundraising">DFLer Jake Johnson significantly outpaces GOP Congressman Brad Finstad in 1st quarter fundraising</a>Meanwhile, coverage in&nbsp;The&nbsp;Post Bulletin today shows the race tightening, with Johnson outraising Finstad by over $130,000 last quarter.The article noted:<ul><li>“The numbers suggest that the race between the two candidates will be a competitive one”</li><li>“A rising cost of living and unpopular war with Iran have created a challenging environment for Republicans”</li><li>“The 1st District is predominantly a rural district, and many farmers are struggling in the current environment given the rising cost of inputs and fertilizer”&nbsp;</li></ul>One Year of Grassroots Momentum:Today also marks one year since Jake Johnson launched his campaign for Congress in southern Minnesota, a campaign built the grassroots way from day one.&nbsp;In one year, the campaign has:&nbsp;<ul><li>Collected 4,500+ petition signatures</li><li>Built a team of 600+ volunteers</li><li>Held events in 21 counties</li><li>Raised $1.2+ million, powered by 23,000+ individual donations</li><li>Taken $0 from corporations</li></ul>To mark the occasion, this evening, Johnson&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=122178490226832045&amp;set=pb.61574961360206.-2207520000&amp;type=3" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">will return</a>&nbsp;to the Pizza Ranch in Fairmont, where he launched his campaign, to meet with supporters.“From day one, this campaign has been about making life cheaper and easier for people across southern Minnesota,”&nbsp;Johnson said.&nbsp;“One year in, that message is only getting stronger because it’s rooted in what people actually want from their elected leaders.”

Brad Finstad dodged 16 requests for comment from Southern Minnesota’s largest daily newspaper, all while he refuses to hold a single in-person town hall meeting.

Local Newspapers Highlight Problems for Finstad as Johnson Builds Momentum

Jake Johnson is just 3 points behind Congressman Brad Finstad, and voters say Finstad does not deserve to be re-elected by a 13-point margin.After years without an in-person town hall from Congressman Brad Finstad, local math teacher Jake Johnson is showing up all across southern Minnesota and is now within three points of flipping Minnesota’s First Congressional District.A new poll conducted by Public Policy Polling shows that, in a head-to-head election this fall, Johnson would receive 41 percent of the vote compared to Finstad’s 44 percent. The poll also finds that just 35 percent of voters believe Finstad deserves re-election, while 48 percent say it’s time for someone new. The <a style="color: var(--color-text); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text);" href="http://jakejohnsonforcongress.com/ppp-poll-mn01-feb-2026.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">poll surveyed 708 registered voters</a> in MN-01 between February 2-3, and had a margin of error of 3.7 percent.“The people of southern Minnesota know that they aren’t being served well in Congress,” said Jake Johnson. “While our costs go up and our jobs go away, we have a congressman who won’t even hold a town hall to hear about our concerns. But somehow he always has time for the corporate CEOs and lobbyists who bankroll his campaigns. I’m running for Congress to change that and start rebuilding the American Dream for the next generation.”###

Jake Johnson is just 3 points behind Congressman Brad Finstad, and voters say Finstad does not deserve to be re-elected by a 13-point margin.

New Poll Shows Jake Johnson Within the Margin of Error in MN-01

Today, the grassroots organization <a style="color: var(--color-text-accent-secondary); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text-accent-secondary)" href="https://www.defeatextremists.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Defeat Extremists</a> is endorsing local math teacher Jake Johnson in his campaign for Congress. The group is backing Johnson, a 20-year union leader and father of four, because of his proven commitment to working families and his ability to win one of the most competitive House races in the country. “As a teacher and a father raising four kids in southern Minnesota, I see every day how families are being squeezed – from rising grocery bills, to unaffordable healthcare, to tariffs that are hammering our farmers and small businesses,” said Jake Johnson, math teacher in southern Minnesota. “Congressman Finstad voted to support those tariffs, to defund our rural clinics, and to give more tax breaks to billionaires. Those are extreme positions, plain and simple.” Funded entirely by grassroots donors, Defeat Extremists is focused on beating extremists by investing early in top-tier candidates. Last year, the group invested in eight of the nine House seats that flipped from red to blue. With Finstad rated as <a style="color: var(--color-text-accent-secondary); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text-accent-secondary)" href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/members/report-cards/2024/house/ideology">one of the most extreme members of Congress</a>, his positions are far out of step with the voters of southern Minnesota. “Defeat Extremists is proud to endorse Jake Johnson to represent the people of Southern Minnesota in Congress,” said Noah Dion, National Political Director of Defeat Extremists. “A lifelong public school teacher and union member, Jake will fight every day for working families to protect Medicare and Social Security and make life more affordable. As out-of-touch, extremist Republicans like Congressman Brad Finstad attack working families, Jake is fighting back. Defeat Extremists is confident that Jake has what it takes to win this critical seat in the path to the House majority.”In 2018, this district was one of the five closest House races in the country, and this seat was decided by fewer than four points in four of the last six elections. Johnson has entered the race as a strong candidate: he raised a record-breaking $264,000 in his first quarter without taking a dime from corporate PACs. He has no primary challengers, and he has already been provisionally endorsed by the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party.&nbsp;###

In 2024, the grassroots organization Defeat Extremists invested in eight of the nine House seats that flipped from red to blue.

Defeat Extremists Endorses Jake Johnson

Zumbrota, MN — Today, local entrepreneur and Army veteran Beth Benike endorsed Jake Johnson in Minnesota’s first congressional district.Benike, founder and CEO of Busy Baby, is a nationally recognized small business leader who grew up in southern Minnesota, served in the U.S. Army, and built her family company from scratch. Her products were featured on Shark Tank, and she was named Minnesota’s Small Business Person of the Year by <a href="https://www.sba.gov/success-story/sba-celebrates-minnesota-small-business-person-year">President Trump’s Small Business Administration</a>. Now, the tariffs have pushed her business to the brink of collapse, threatening her employees, customers, and livelihood. Meanwhile, Brad Finstad voted to support the tariffs, and he refuses to hold a town hall to hear how the tariffs are hurting his constituents.“We need somebody who will listen to their constituents, hear our pain, hear our problems, and actually care about them,” said Beth Benike, founder and CEO of Busy Baby. “I attempted multiple times to reach Brad Finstad —&nbsp;went to his office, talked to his staff, had multiple phone calls. I have yet to hear from him. Additionally, my husband is a farmer and I’m a veteran, so Finstad claims to be supportive of small businesses, farmers, and veterans, but I have yet to feel that in any way at all.”<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://youtube.com/shorts/GTe2ue-PDeo?si=mz4lBUy6yLq-d5uo"><img src="https://run.imgix.net/98efac20-09d5-40de-bced-671be80133fe/76e1557e-9479-4a4e-924c-3a93617e1baf/76e1557e-9479-4a4e-924c-3a93617e1baf.png?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C772%2C1386&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="middle" alignwidth="32.5" variant="framed"></a>“Beth represents the very best of southern Minnesota: someone who has served her country and her community with honor,” said Jake Johnson, a math teacher and lifelong resident of southern Minnesota. “Her story is also a warning about how bad policies in Washington, like the terrible tariffs supported by Brad Finstad, are devastating our small businesses, family farms, and working families. I’m honored to have her support, and together we’ll fight for an economy that works for everyone here at home.”Johnson’s campaign is centered on making life more affordable for working families by stopping the tariffs, strengthening healthcare, and investing in small towns.###

Benike, founder and CEO of Busy Baby, is a nationally recognized small business leader who grew up in southern Minnesota, served in the U.S. Army, and built her family company from scratch.

Local Veteran and Small Business Leader Beth Benike Endorses Jake Johnson

Jake Johnson crosses $1 million raised in total since launching his campaign last year. Read the coverage in The Star Tribune <a href="https://link.email.startribune.com/view/698b4d9030b825b61f02de3eqk5h6.4zv/b92d29f1" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>.Today, public school teacher and first-time candidate Jake Johnson announced that he has raised over $1 million in his campaign to flip Minnesota’s first congressional district, all without taking a penny from corporations. Jake has received over 19,000 donations, with most of them coming from residents of Minnesota.“Our message of bringing down costs, taking on corruption, and investing in our small towns is clearly resonating across southern Minnesota,” said Jake Johnson. “I don’t take it lightly that so many people have put their trust and faith in our campaign, and I’ll keep working hard so that we have a representative who shows up for us, not for billionaires and big corporations.”While Representative Brad Finstad is bankrolled by <a href="https://www.opensecrets.org/members-of-congress/finstad-brad/summary?cid=N00050649">corporate PACs</a> and <a href="https://rollcall.com/2022/12/16/bankman-fried-made-agriculture-panel-members-focus-of-campaign-support/">convicted fraudsters</a>, Jake is <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DS3xZ0DDS0-/">cleaning</a> his neighbors’ driveways and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DNqyiv1s0zA/">washing</a> cars with his former students, many of whom are working on his grassroots campaign. Jake has not taken a dime from corporate PACs, and 95% of the contributions to his campaign have been $100 or less.These latest fundraising numbers add to Jake’s growing momentum in MN-01. Last month, a poll found that Jake was within just 3 points of Finstad, and the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee added this district to its list of “districts in play” for the 2026 midterms.###

Today, public school teacher Jake Johnson announced that he has raised over $1 million, all without taking a penny from corporations.

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