The 25-year public servant offered stark contrast to incumbent; called for return to affordability and opportunity
Hermantown, MN (October 6, 2026) –Trina Swanson today challenged incumbent Rep. Pete Stauber’s divisive politics and outlined her vision for Minnesota’s 8th Congressional District during today’s first head-to-head debate in the competitive race. In the hour-long televised debate on WDIO, Swanson made the impassioned case for new leadership focused on affordability and opportunity for families across the district.
“There are rising costs in every area of our economy thanks to President Trump and this Congress,” said Swanson, in response to a question regarding affordability. “We are in a dangerous war, and we are watching gas and diesel prices skyrocket, our farmers are hurting, and people can’t afford their groceries. This is only going to get worse [under Stauber].”
Throughout the debate, Swanson stressed the need to bring high paying jobs, new industry investment, and opportunity back to Northern and Central Minnesota in light of rising inflation, ongoing wars, and trade whiplash that has caused skyrocketing prices and uncertainty for families across Minnesota. In contrast, Pete Stauber defended the Trump administration’s failed policies, drawing the sharp contrast between Swanson’s commitment to the 8th district, and Stauber’s commitment to Trump.
“We need to draw new industry into Minnesota, and also support the industries we already have. I hear a lot from Congressman Stauber about issues that are preventing new industries from coming in, but I have not seen action from him to draw new businesses in. When you go on national television and say you represent a ‘failed state,’ that is a problem,” said Trina Swanson, challenging Stauber on the exact remarks he made during a January 8, 2026 appearance on Newsmax. “Instead, you should be going out there and talking about our incredible workforce, that we have the best trade schools in the country, that we have great schools and we have great outdoor space–we have all these things to offer corporations to come into Minnesota and invest.”
Swanson also called for expanded access to healthcare in rural communities and universal coverage to make care accessible and affordable regardless of age, background, or employment status. She warned that under Trump and Stauber’s Big Beautiful Bill, Medicaid funding would be decimated, risking closure of local hospitals and their critically necessary inpatient and mental health beds, underscoring the stakes for rural communities that depend on this care.
“I have traveled across all 21 counties in this district, and the number one issue I hear about is the rising cost of healthcare,” said Swanson. “People are critically concerned about whether or not they can afford their healthcare, and even if they are able to find it. We have counties in this district that you cannot have a baby in because there are no maternity wards.”
She also reaffirmed her longstanding commitment to universal healthcare, adding, “It should not matter how old you are, where you live, or who you work for to ensure you have healthcare close to home. I will absolutely fight so that Americans do not need to worry about opening that bill after a cancer diagnosis.”
Drawing on 25 years of public service under administrations of both parties, Swanson emphasized her ability to work across the aisle and address the challenges facing families in the 8th District. She also highlighted her commitment to transparent, accessible leadership, pointing to over 185 public events held across every county in the district since January, where she has taken questions directly from residents. In contrast, Pete Stauber referenced the town halls he has held via phone, where his team is able to screen the questions that eventually get through to the Congressman.
The debate follows endorsements from a broad coalition of labor, agricultural, healthcare, and community organizations, as well as elected leaders. Supporters include the National Farmers Union PAC, the Minnesota State Council of Machinists, EMILYs List, the Minnesota AFL-CIO, the Committee to Protect Health Care, the DFL and its Senior, Rural, and Veteran’s Caucuses, the Minnesota Association of Professional Employees, Save the Boundary Waters Action Fund, Education Minnesota, and more.