DULUTH, Minn. – President Donald Trump spoke to a packed house in Duluth Wednesday night, rallying support for GOP-endorsed congressional candidate Pete Stauber.
Speaking to a full capacity crowd of over 8,000 people gathered inside Duluth’s Amsoil Arena, Trump praised Stauber, calling him a “very special” candidate that is “going to win.”
“He is a great guy, he loves you and he loves this country, and he’s going to do fantastically. He’s going to win,” Trump told the enthusiastic crowd.
Stauber is running to represent Minnesota’s Eighth District, a seat currently held by Democratic Rep. Rick Nolan. The district, which Trump won in 2016 by 16 points, is considered a key battleground going into the 2018 midterms.
Stauber joined the president on stage during the rally, delivering a rousing speech where he highlighted his “blue-collar, common sense conservative message.” Stauber called for support so he can help Trump “unleash the economic engine in northern Minnesota.”
Caroline Tarwid, Stauber’s press secretary, said they are “very excited” to have Trump’s support.
“We are very excited to have the endorsement of the President of the United States and the leader of the free world,” Tarwid said. “It is truly amazing to have Pete recognized on this national and even global level and the energy in the arena was electric.”
Tarwid emphasized the importance of the Eighth District for Republicans, saying the event “reaffirms how important this open seat is to both our district and Republicans nationally.”
“I know I speak for everyone who meets Pete when I say this: Pete is the most hardworking individual and he will not stop until 8:01 on Election Day, until then Pete will continue traveling the 18 counties of this vast district and ensuring his blue-collar common sense conservative message is heard all over,” Tarwid said.
Trump called on rally-goers to vote for Stauber saying voters have to “get him a victory.”
Trump’s message Wednesday night focused not only on winning the Eighth District, but supporting Republicans across the state in November. After narrowly losing Minnesota to Hillary Clinton in 2016, Trump predicted there would be a red wave in Minnesota and he would win the state in 2020.
“I hate to bring this up, but we came this close to winning the state of Minnesota,” Trump said. “And in two and a half years, it’s going to be really, really easy, I think.”
“With your help and with your voice and with your vote, the Republicans will win and will keep on winning,” Trump said to the cheering crowd. “We will keep on winning.”
Trump also tweeted about the rally, saying the event was “incredible” and promised a return visit.
Last night in Minnesota was incredible. What a crowd!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 21, 2018
So sorry, people wanting to get into the already packed arena – I LOVE YOU ALL! pic.twitter.com/PFvXrsvgkA
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 20, 2018
Just returning from the Great State of Minnesota where we had an incredible rally with 9,000 people, and at least 10,000 who could not get in – I will return! Congratulations to @PeteStauber who is loved and respected in Minnesota!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 21, 2018
Watch the rally below:
