Republican Dave Hughes is gaining on incumbent Democratic Rep. Collin Peterson, with one rating outfit moving the race into the “toss up” column.
With less than a week before election day, the race to represent Minnesota’s Seventh Congressional District is narrowing — so much so that Real Clear Politics moved the race from “lean Democrat” to “toss up.”
“Our message is resonating with the voters across the district because they want a member of Congress who will work with President Donald Trump and continue his agenda to Keep America Great,” said Hughes, a 21-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force and a veteran of the Iraq War.
Hughes has been a vocal supporter of the president, saying that he looks forward to “working with our President to move the America First agenda forward.” As the lead instructor pilot for US Customs and Border Protection’s Predator drone program, Hughes says his background in border security and immigration is particularly needed in Congress.
Hughes support of President Donald Trump is likely to play well with voters in the Seventh Congressional District — Trump won the district by over 30 percentage points in 2016.
Hughes got a boost earlier this election cycle when Trump endorsed him in a tweet. Trump praised Hughes, saying he will “help us accomplish our America First policies.”
Dave Hughes is running for Congress in the Great State of Minnesota. He will help us accomplish our America First policies, is strong on Crime, the Border, our 2nd Amendmen, Trade, Military and Vets. Running against Pelosi Liberal Puppet Petterson. Dave has my Total Endorsement!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 8, 2018
Despite the area’s increasingly conservative bend, Peterson, a moderate Democrat, has held onto his district for 14 terms. Hughes also challenged Peterson in 2016, narrowly losing the election.
The election results came as a surprise to many. According to Open Secrets, Peterson spent over $680,000 on the race, while Hughes spent over $19,000. Despite Peterson’s name recognition and wildly outspending his opponent, Hughes came within 5 percentage points of winning. The narrow loss, the closest race for the seat in two decades, indicates the district may be on the verge of flipping this election cycle.
“After 28 years in Congress, Collin Peterson is out-of-touch with the people of Western Minnesota and on Election Day the voters of this district will make it clear: they think 28 years in Congress is long enough,” Hughes said.
