Candidate Profiles
ABC 6 News is tracking the candidates running in the 2022 midterm elections.
Minnesota Gubernatorial Race
Tim Walz (D)
Incumbent Tim Walz’s career has been defined by public service, from serving in the National Guard for 24 years, to serving students as a high school teacher and football coach, to serving the state as a Congressman, and now as Minnesota’s 41st Governor.
For more information on Tim Walz, CLICK HERE.
Scott Jensen (R)
Republican challenger Scott Jensen, 67, a lifelong Minnesotan outlined a variety of plans he would implement if elected. They range from stopping crime, fighting inflation, lowering energy costs and reducing gas prices to protecting and supporting women, economic development, rural prosperity and education.
For information on Dr. Scott Jensen, CLICK HERE.
Steve Patterson (GLC)
Grassroots Legalize Cannabis candidate Steve Patterson is the owner of Lansing Corners Bar and Grill in Austin, Minnesota. He is campaigning on legalizing recreational cannabis, prioritizing access to mental health resources and making Minnesota a “Castle Doctrine” state.
For information on Steve Patterson, CLICK HERE.
James McCaskel (LMN)
James McCaskel is a Minneapolis native who describes himself as a community organizer. According to his campaign website, he became homeless as a teenager and dropped out of high school, later earning his GED. His campaign website lists legalizing marijuana, protecting abortion access, fighting violent crime and investing in skilled trades as his priorities.
For information on James McCaskel, CLICK HERE.
Iowa Gubernatorial Race
Kim Reynolds (R)
Reynolds, 63, became Gov. in 2017 when former Gov. Terry Branstad left office to become Donald Trump’s ambassador to China. She narrowly beat Democrat Fred Hubbell by just under 3 percentage points in 2018 becoming the state’s first woman elected Governor.
For information on Kim Reynolds, CLICK HERE.
Deidre DeJear (D)
DeJear, 36, is a small business owner and political organizer who ran for Secretary of State in 2018, becoming the first Black Iowan to be nominated for a statewide race. She lost to incumbent Republican Paul Pate.
For information on Deidre DeJear, CLICK HERE.
Minnesota 1st Congressional District Race
Brad Finstad (R)
Republican Brad Finstad, 46, a 4th-generation farmer and resident of the New Ulm area was elected to Congress in a special election on August 9, 2022. He replaced Jim Hagedorn (R), who died while in office in February 2022. Finstad defeated Jeff Ettinger (D) in the special election, 51.1% to 46.9%.
For more information on Brad Finstad, CLICK HERE.
Jeff Ettinger (D)
Democrat Jeff Ettinger, 64, served as CEO of Minnesota’s own Hormel Foods, where he created thousands of jobs, expanded profit sharing for the company’s workers. Ettinger defeated James Rainwater and George Kalberer in the August 2022 Democratic Primary for U.S. House Minnesota District 1.
For more information on Jeff Ettinger, CLICK HERE.
Brian Abrahamson (Grassroots-Legalize Cannabis Party of Minnesota)
Brian Abrahamson, a husband, father, and caregiver was the lone candidate for his party and grabbed all 361 votes in the August 2022 primary to advance to the November 8 general election. Abrahamson is dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities.
For more information on Abrahamson, CLICK HERE.
Richard B. Reisdorf (Legalize Marijuana Now Party)
Reisdorf, 77, is a U.S. Navy Veteran and active member of Disabled American Veterans and Veterans for Peace. Reisdorf was the lone candidate for his party and grabbed all 565 votes in the August 2022 primary to advance to the November 8 general election.
For more information on Reisdorf, CLICK HERE.
Iowa 2nd Congressional District Race
Ashley Hinson (R)
Ashley Hinson (R) is a member of the U.S. House, representing Iowa’s 1st Congressional District. She is running for re-election to the U.S. House to represent Iowa’s 2nd Congressional District on November 8 after winning the Republican primary on June 7, 2022. She is a member of the House Appropriations Committee and House Budget Committee.
For more information on Ashley Hinson, CLICK HERE.
Liz Mathis (D)
Liz Mathis (D) is a member of the Iowa State Senate, representing District 34. She is running for election to the U.S. House to represent Iowa’s 2nd Congressional District in the November 8 election after winning the Democratic primary on June 7, 2022. In 2011, Mathis was elected to the State Senate. As a member of the Agriculture Committee, she has worked to help Iowa family farmers and farming communities.
For more on Liz Mathis, CLICK HERE.
Iowa 4th Congressional District Race
Randy Feenstra (R)
Randy Feenstra (R) is running for re-election to the U.S. House to represent Iowa’s 4th Congressional District in the general election on November 8. He advanced from the Republican primary on June 7, 2022. Feenstra is a committed advocate for the unborn, fiscal responsibility, border security, and Iowa’s family farmers, livestock producers, and thriving biofuels industry.
For more on Randy Feenstra, CLICK HERE.
Ryan Melton (D)
Ryan Melton (D) is running for election to the U.S. House to represent Iowa’s 4th Congressional District in the general election on November 8. He advanced from the Democratic primary on June 7, 2022. Melton is advocating for many things including affordable health care and prescription drugs, access to quality, affordable child care, funding Iowa’s public schools, support for mental health and addiction services and more.
For more on Ryan Melton, CLICK HERE.
Bryan Jack Holder (Liberty Caucus)
Bryan Jack Holder (Liberty Caucus) is running for election to the U.S. House to represent Iowa’s 4th Congressional District. He is on the ballot in the general election on November 8. Holder is running for the 5th time in Iowa’s 4th Congressional District. Holder has also run for Congress 4 times in Iowa’s 3rd Congressional District.
For more on Bryan Jack Holder, CLICK HERE.