MINNEAPOLIS — Democratic Congresswoman Angie Craig is vying for a fourth term in a fiercely contested race against Republican Joe Teirab, a former federal prosecutor. This election is notably one of the closest congressional races in Minnesota.
In another key competition, former Democratic state senator Kelly Morrison is favored to win the seat being vacated by Democratic Representative Dean Phillips. Her opponent is Republican Tad Jude, who is a retired Washington County District Judge. Jude has an extensive political background, having served on the Hennepin County Board and in both chambers of the state Legislature. He made history in 1972 as the youngest person, elected at just 20 years old, to the House.
Craig and Teirab are contesting in Minnesota’s 2nd District, which is characterized by a diverse political landscape that includes the outer suburbs of Minneapolis and St. Paul, areas that lean Democratic, alongside more rural regions to the south that typically vote Republican. This district stands as Minnesota’s only swing district. Conversely, Morrison and Jude are competing in the 3rd District, which encompasses suburban areas around Minneapolis and has leaned Democratic in recent elections.
Previously, Craig faced a narrow defeat to Republican Jason Lewis in 2016, losing by fewer than two percentage points. However, she bounced back in their rematch in 2018, winning by a margin of over 5.5 points. She then received close wins over Marine Corps veteran Tyler Kistner in both the 2020 and 2022 elections, with margins of slightly over 2 points and 5 points, respectively.
In recent months, Craig has drawn significant media attention, having been the target of death threats and forced to relocate after a confrontation with a mentally unstable attacker in her Washington apartment building. She has adopted centrist views on many subjects, although she remains a staunch advocate for abortion rights and has criticized Teirab as an anti-abortion activist. Teirab has denied this claim, asserting that he would oppose any federal bans or restrictions on abortion.
Teirab, a Marine Corps veteran and the son of a Sudanese immigrant, has the backing of prominent Republican figures, including House Majority Whip Tom Emmer. Despite a robust financial backing, Teirab initially lost the GOP endorsement at the district convention to conservative candidate Tayler Rahm. Subsequently, Teirab won the primary with the endorsement of former President Donald Trump after Rahm opted to become a senior adviser to Trump’s campaign in Minnesota. Nonetheless, tensions within the Teirab and Rahm factions remain palpable.
At the end of the last reporting period in September, Craig had accumulated nearly $7.6 million in campaign funds, significantly outpacing Teirab, who raised just under $2.8 million.
In the race for the 3rd District, Morrison highlighted her leadership role on abortion rights while serving in the Minnesota Senate. Meanwhile, Jude has a history of opposing abortion during his tenure as a legislator and supports the recent U.S. Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision that overturned the nationwide right to abortion. By September, Morrison had secured slightly over $2 million for her campaign, while Jude brought in just under $300,000.
Incumbents in Minnesota are expected to maintain their positions in the state’s other six congressional races. The lineup includes Emmer and fellow Republicans Brad Finstad, Michelle Fischbach, and Pete Stauber, alongside Democrats Ilhan Omar and Betty McCollum.
