Local Leaders Endorse Jake Johnson

One month into his campaign, Jake Johnson receives endorsements from five local DFL leaders in the fight against the decisions of Washington politicians. 

SOUTHERN MINN. — Jake Johnson announced his campaign just under a month ago. Since then, he has met with Minnesotans across the district, raised over $100K within a day, and built the start of a grassroots campaign to beat Rep. Brad Finstad. Today, Jake Johnson received endorsements from key local voices that have been part of the fight to oust Washington politicians like Brad Finstad and to ensure Minnesota stands up against the attacks from Washington.

“I wholeheartedly endorse Jake Johnson for Congressional District 1 Representative,” said Anastasia Hopkins Folpe, Treasurer of the Olmsted County DFL. “Jake is a big reason the 2024 Rochester Public Schools Referendum was successful. He put in the work to make sure our public schools have what they need for the future. It's just one example of who Jake is, and why he will make a great representative for our district. His positivity, his grounding in rural Minnesota, and his vision for a better life for everyone are what we need here and in Congress.”

“Jake has what it takes. He knows this district, he’s supported hundreds of students and families in this district, and I have no doubt that he will serve our district well,” said Caitlin Nicholson, former Chair of the First Congressional District DFL (2023-2025). “He’s a leader who listens more than he talks, and he’ll be an excellent leader to lift up our voices in Congress.”

“Jake Johnson embodies character and integrity,” said Lynn Wilson, former Chair of the Olmsted County DFL (2000-2016). “A native of southern Minnesota, Jake overcame challenges to become an admired and respected father and educator. I am particularly impressed by Jake’s ability to actively listen, pose thoughtful questions, and comprehend our concerns. Jake possesses the qualities and expertise we can rely upon to effectively serve us in Washington D.C.”

“Jake, growing up, had the first-hand experience of the economic struggles that working people are having right now. So a fight for economic fairness is in his DNA,” said Aleta Borrud, 2024 DFL Candidate for MN State Senate District 24. “And he is a proven leader, representing teachers and having headed up a winning referendum campaign for our district’s schools. I give him my enthusiastic endorsement.”

“When I talked to Jake, he told it to me straight: ‘We can be doing better, and we can be doing more for working class Minnesotans.’ That's the kind of attitude I'm looking for from my representative,” said Allie Wolf, 2024 DFL candidate for MN House of Representatives District 26B. “We need someone who will stand up to corporate lobbyists and billionaires to protect the people who actually build and feed and fuel this country — us — and Jake Johnson is ready for that fight.”

Jake Johnson grew up as a poor kid in Stewartville, Minnesota. He remembers going to bed hungry in a drafty house during the harsh Minnesota winter, but through hard work, strong community support, his mother's food stamps and stepfather's veterans benefits, and a quality public education, Jake was able to elevate himself to the middle class. Because of Pell Grants and Stafford loans from the Department of Education, he was able to attend the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. After he graduated, he wanted to give back to his community and interviewed for just one job: a math teacher position in Rochester Public Schools. For 19 years, Jake has taught students from remedial math to AP Calculus to help every student reach their full potential. Jake is a proud member of his union’s bargaining team, where he negotiates to raise wages and improve working conditions for over 1,000 teachers, nurses, and social workers in the district. Jake has also been active in his community, serving on the board of the financial literacy nonprofit Minnesota Jumpstart Coalition, and organizing for the recent school referendum in Rochester.

Jake and his wife Molly live in Rochester with their four young boys.

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