Long-Time DFL Donor Running as Republican in Eden Prairie, Minnetonka

Kris Newcomer
Kris Newcomer is running for State Rep in Eden Prairie.

Kris Newcomer is challenging Mary Shapiro, the party endorsed candidate, in the Republican primary for district 48A MN House of Representatives seat in Eden Prairie. A look at campaign finance numbers shows Newcomer has a long history of donating to DFL campaigns.

A search for “Kristine Newcomer” on the Minnesota Campaign Finance Board website shows between 2005-2015 Newcomer donated $2,250 to DFL causes and candidates. Newcomer’s donations include $500 for the DFL Senate Caucus, and $1000 total to State Senator Terri Bonoff (DFL – 44), who is now running for Congress against United States Representative Erik Paulsen.

Kris Newcomer's Donation Records
Kris Newcomer’s Donation Records

According to Eden Prairie News, Newcomer is the executive director of The Firefly Sisterhood, helping to connect women recently diagnosed with breast cancer with breast cancer survivors, and served as vice chair of the Hopkins School Board.  Newcomer did not respond to a request for comment from Alpha News.

Shapiro says she is aware of what she called “Newcomer’s multiple and generous donations to Democrat candidates.”  Shapiro said, “she has no history of being involved with the Republican Party and has never caucused with the Republican Party, even in this cycle of 2016. Almost all of the views she has expressed do not accord with those of the Republican Party nor do they reflect the views of the voters in 48A. This is the reason I decided to enter the race. I have been actively involved with the Republican Party for well over 20 years and I believe strongly in the principles of the Party.”

Republican-endorsed candidate Mary Shapiro
Republican-endorsed candidate Mary Shapiro

Newcomer’s website explains she was asked to run for the seat and that representatives must, “talk within their splintered parties to find common agreement on the issues facing our state. Then we must demand that they reach ‘across the aisle’ to find common ground.”

The primary for this race is August 9th.  Subscribe to Alpha News for continued coverage of this race.