Skip to content

Finstad, Ettinger Win Special Election Primary in Southern Minnesota Congressional Seat

Finstad, Ettinger Win Special Election Primary in Southern Minnesota Congressional Seat

June 1, 2022 Last Edit: June 5, 2025

Face Off in Special Election on August 9

Finstad, Ettinger Win Special Election Primary in Southern Minnesota Congressional Seat

On May 24, voters in Southern Minnesota selected candidates for a special election to fill the remaining term of late Congressman Jim Hagedorn. A friend to small businesses in Minnesota’s 1st Congressional District and across the state, Congressman Hagedorn passed away in February following a long bout with cancer. Republicans selected Brad Finstad, a fourth-generation farmer from the New Ulm area and former USDA official in the Trump Administration, as their nominee. Finstad also served in the Minnesota House of Representatives from 2002 to 2008, and as CEO of the Center for Rural Policy and Development based in St. Peter. Democrats chose former Hormel CEO and first-time candidate Jeff Ettinger as their nominee. Ettinger currently serves as co-chair of Governor Walz’s Council on Economic Expansion. The council was established to “reimagine Minnesota’s economic future” and “center workers in our rebuilding of the economy and further attack poverty.” Among other proposals, the council recommended the state spend $25 million to establish Universal Basic Income pilot program and create a state-run paid leave program funded by a new $1 billion/year payroll tax. Finstad and Ettinger will face off in a Special Election on August 9 to finish the remainder of Congressman Hagedorn’s term, which runs through the end of 2022. On the same day, Finstad and Ettinger will also be on the ballot in primary races to determine who will go onto the General Election in November. The winner of the November election will serve a full, two year-term.
Get to know NFIB

NFIB is a member-driven organization advocating on behalf of small and independent businesses nationwide.

Receive our newsletter and email notification
Knowledge is power. Let us help you stay informed with breaking legislative news, regulatory updates, business tips, and more.

Related Articles

October 20, 2025
Small Business Hiring Challenges and Labor Market Update
Hear about the state of the small business job market and what it means for…
Read More
State Capitol of Illinois in Springfield.
October 20, 2025
First Week of the Illinois Fall Veto Session Ends Without Much…
The first week of the Illinois veto session primarily consisted of closed-d…
Read More
A restaurant owner working on his computer while wearing a white smock
October 20, 2025
ICYMI: NFIB Talks Minnesota Paid Family Medical Leave
NFIB recently held a webinar to go over what business owners need to know a…
Read More
October 20, 2025
NFIB California Main Street Minute, October 20-24
Sorting out post-2025-sesssion legislation
Read More

© 2001 - 2025 National Federation of Independent Business. All Rights Reserved. Terms and Conditions | Privacy Policy | Accessibility