Tyler Kistner endorsed by Second District GOP in race against Angie Craig

Kistner said Minnesotans "are tired of higher gas prices, out-of-control inflation and the rise of violent crime in our state."

Tyler Kistner speaks at Saturday's Second District GOP convention after being endorsed. (Tyler Kistner/Facebook)

Republican Tyler Kistner was endorsed by the Second District GOP Saturday in his campaign against incumbent Rep. Angie Craig for U.S. Congress.

In 2020, Kistner lost the race to Craig by just two percentage points, the fifth closest House race in the country. He launched a rematch last spring, voicing his intent to fight the “radical agenda” of the left.

“Since our campaign’s launch last year, we have worked tirelessly to hear the concerns of the grassroots leaders within our party. I’m honored to have earned their trust and look forward to continuing to build our momentum together,” Kistner said in a press release.

Republicans are “energized” to get out and vote in November, he added.

“We are tired of higher gas prices, out-of-control inflation and the rise of violent crime in our state,” said Kistner.

Kistner said he received the “unanimous support” of delegates during Saturday’s convention.

Craig was first elected in 2018, unseating Rep. Jason Lewis after just one term. In recent months, she has been criticized for reading a children’s book on the House floor about a child’s “gender transition” and for attending a fundraiser put on by a group that supports defunding the police.

The book Craig read, called “Calvin,” was produced by the Human Rights Campaign, where Craig’s wife works as the director of the Welcoming Schools program.

“While everyday Americans are dealing with record-high inflation and violent crime, Angie Craig is using her time on the House floor to promote a program her wife directs,” Kistner told Alpha News at the time.

Craig opposed an unsuccessful ballot initiative to replace the Minneapolis Police Department in November and has described herself as an “outspoken opponent of defunding the police.”

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.

Kistner was named a National Republican Congressional Committee “Young Gun” in March.

“The race for Minnesota’s Second Congressional District has been targeted by both parties, and Kistner is positioned to restore proper representation to the people of the Second District,” his campaign said.

 

Rose Williams

Rose Williams is an assistant editor for Alpha News.