The process leading up to the DFL endorsement in MN-01 saw the highest share of Republican and Independent participation of any congressional district in the state.

STEWARTVILLE, MN — This afternoon, Jake Johnson received the formal endorsement of the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party in Minnesota’s 1st Congressional District, making Jake the presumptive Democratic nominee to take on Rep. Brad Finstad in the fall.

Jake accepted the endorsement at Stewartville High School, where he graduated 25 years ago. He was cheered on by his former students, family, and supporters as he accepted the DFL endorsement.

“This campaign is about bringing people together to solve problems and make life more affordable,” said Jake Johnson. “We earned this endorsement by bringing a record number of Republicans and Independents into our movement, and we’re going to keep building on that momentum to win in November and deliver for southern Minnesota in Congress.”

Jake’s campaign helped drive record participation from Republicans and Independents in DFL precinct caucuses across the district. Minnesota’s First Congressional District saw the highest share of Independent and Republican participation of any district in the state, with 11.4% of attendees identifying as Independents and 4.3% as Republicans — underscoring the campaign’s broad, cross-partisan appeal.

More than 4,500 voters in the district have signed a petition to get Jake on the ballot, and over 600 volunteers have joined the campaign, which is not taking corporate PAC money.

Jake’s campaign is drawing a sharp contrast with Finstad’s record in Congress. Jake has highlighted how Finstad’s votes for the tariffs and the Iran War are raising costs for southern Minnesota families, farmers, and small businesses, despite Finstad’s campaign promise to lower costs.