Republican House Leader Kevin McCarthy plans to endorse Tyler Kistner in his bid for Congress, Alpha News has exclusively learned.
The endorsement is expected Tuesday morning.
“Tyler Kistner’s record of service is exactly what we need in Washington today. Through serving in the Marines overseas and helping his community in Minnesota, Tyler Kistner has proven that he can defend our nation from threats at home and abroad and will deliver results for Minnesotans for years to come,” McCarthy says in a press release obtained by Alpha News.
“I’m endorsing Tyler Kistner because we need to flip this seat to take back the House, and I know that he will be victorious in November,” he adds.
Kistner is a former Marine Raider who is now vying to unseat Democratic Rep. Angie Craig in Minnesota’s Second Congressional District. In 2020 he earned the endorsement of former President Donald Trump. Last month, he became the GOP-endorsed candidate in his district. Later today, Alpha News is told he will be endorsed by McCarthy.
The congressional hopeful alluded to the endorsement on Twitter Monday afternoon.
HUGE ENDORSEMENT COMING TOMORROW. #MN02
— Tyler Kistner for Congress (@KistnerCongress) May 2, 2022
Last election cycle, Kistner lagged behind Craig by just 2.3% in one of the closest House races in the nation. Craig, who is in her second term, was preceded by Republican Jason Lewis. Despite her apparently precarious position in a swing district, her website boasts of endorsements from hard left-wing groups.
Local political analysts have long speculated that CD2 is a barometer district that reflects the national political appetite. In a moment where President Joe Biden faces upside down approval ratings and the majority of Americans are feeling the effects of the recent economic downturn, Minnesota voters might take out their frustration on Craig at the ballot box.
“I am honored to have the endorsement of Leader Kevin McCarthy. I will continue to work hard to raise the resources necessary to defeat Angie Craig and help Kevin McCarthy become the next Speaker of the House so that we can get our economy back on track, reduce inflation, and stop violent crime so that Americans can prosper once again,” Kistner says in the press release.
The Second Congressional District, covering the southeastern metro area, is considered one of the most competitive districts in Minnesota and is now labeled a “toss-up” by The Cook Political Report.
Even the left wing Star Tribune concedes that “Angie Craig faces midterm headwinds.”
Kyle Hooten
Kyle Hooten is Managing Editor of Alpha News. His coverage of Minneapolis has been featured on television shows like Tucker Carlson Tonight and in print media outlets like the Wall Street Journal.
