Who Is Running in Minnesota Congressional District 1st in 2026?
Last updated: March 4, 2026
Brad Finstad
(Incumbent)Economy
HighCongressman Brad Finstad supports economic policies aimed at lowering costs, growing jobs, and delivering results for families. He advocates for "America First policies" which he links to falling gas prices, accelerated private-sector job growth, and declining inflation. Finstad also supports the Working Families Tax Cuts, stating they provide middle-class relief and support American jobs. He voted Yea on the Securing America's Critical Minerals Supply Act.
Immigration
HighCongressman Brad Finstad introduced and championed the "Preserving Integrity in Immigration Benefits Act" (H.R. 6978), which passed the House Judiciary Committee. This legislation requires the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to review immigration benefit requests approved after January 20, 2021, particularly for high-risk countries. Finstad stated this is to ensure programs are administered responsibly and serve only eligible individuals, citing implications of poorly managed immigration benefit programs in his state.
Healthcare
HighBrad Finstad voted for the Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act in 2025, aiming to reduce insurance premiums, cut hidden costs, and expand patient options, especially for rural communities. He also supported the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which included Medicaid spending cuts. Additionally, he urged Governor Walz to comply with federal law regarding reported fraud and waste in Minnesota's Medicaid program.
Democratic Candidate
No Democratic candidate has been confirmed for this race yet. Check back after the primary.
| Issue | Brad Finstad |
|---|---|
| Economy | Congressman Brad Finstad supports economic policies aimed at lowering costs, growing jobs, and delivering results for families. He advocates for "America First policies" which he links to falling gas prices, accelerated private-sector job growth, and declining inflation. Finstad also supports the Working Families Tax Cuts, stating they provide middle-class relief and support American jobs. He voted Yea on the Securing America's Critical Minerals Supply Act. High |
| Immigration | Congressman Brad Finstad introduced and championed the "Preserving Integrity in Immigration Benefits Act" (H.R. 6978), which passed the House Judiciary Committee. This legislation requires the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to review immigration benefit requests approved after January 20, 2021, particularly for high-risk countries. Finstad stated this is to ensure programs are administered responsibly and serve only eligible individuals, citing implications of poorly managed immigration benefit programs in his state. High |
| Healthcare | Brad Finstad voted for the Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act in 2025, aiming to reduce insurance premiums, cut hidden costs, and expand patient options, especially for rural communities. He also supported the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which included Medicaid spending cuts. Additionally, he urged Governor Walz to comply with federal law regarding reported fraud and waste in Minnesota's Medicaid program. High |
| Climate & Energy | Representative Brad Finstad has consistently voted against climate protection measures, earning a 0% score from the League of Conservation Voters in 2025 and for his lifetime. He voted against the Transformational Climate Investments (Inflation Reduction Act) in 2022 and supported rescinding protections for the Boundary Waters. Finstad also voted in favor of measures such as the Homeowner Energy Freedom Act and the Securing America's Critical Minerals Supply Act, indicating a stance that generally opposes environmental regulations. Medium |
| Abortion & Reproductive Rights | Brad Finstad voted in favor of the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act (H.R. 26), which mandates medical care for infants surviving an abortion attempt, and co-sponsored the bill. He also supported H. Con. Res. 3, which condemns violence against pro-life facilities. Congressman Finstad states his belief in protecting human life and supporting its sanctity, emphasizing that "babies who survive an abortion attempt deserve basic medical care." High |
| Foreign Policy | Brad Finstad advocates for "America First" foreign policies, stating they have made the country safer both at home and abroad while expanding opportunities for American workers through new global trade agreements. He is endorsed by AIPAC, indicating a pro-Israel stance, and serves on the House Armed Services Committee. High |
| Education | Brad Finstad views a strong education as vitally important, advocating for local and state control over education decisions rather than federal bureaucracy. He believes parents should be involved in decision-making. Finstad also supports reforms at the postsecondary level to address student loan debt, encourage affordable opportunities, and align education with workforce needs. He signed a letter to appropriators supporting funding for Head Start. Medium |
| Gun Policy | Brad Finstad has voted in favor of several gun-related bills, including HR 2255 (Federal Law Enforcement Officer Service Weapon Purchase Act of 2025) and HR 2243 (Law Enforcement Officer Safety Act Reform Act), which he also co-sponsored. He co-sponsored HR 2189 (Law-Enforcement Innovate to De-Escalate Act) and voted Yea on HR 3091. Pro-gun organizations rated him highly, with 85% and 100% from Gun Owners of America and 92% from the National Rifle Association. Medium |
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