Brad Finstad dodged 16 requests for comment from Southern Minnesota’s largest daily newspaper, all while he refuses to hold a single in-person town hall meeting.

Today, the two largest newspapers in southern Minnesota published damaging coverage of Rep. Brad Finstad, highlighting concerns about his accessibility, fundraising, and record as Jake Johnson’s grassroots campaign continues to gain strength. 

Mankato Free Press: No comment: Finstad on Iran, ICE, the press

A new Mankato Free Press report detailed Finstad’s lack of transparency and engagement with constituents and the press. Finstad has not responded to a single one of 16 requests for comment from the paper over nearly a year, raising serious questions about accountability.

The article also highlights Finstad’s refusal to hold in-person town halls, frustrating constituents. One resident, who complimented former Republican Rep. Jim Hagedorn for holding town halls, summed it up bluntly: “Finstad’s just a non-entity as far as I’m concerned.”

When asked about avoiding public forums, Finstad dismissed concerned constituents, saying he wouldn’t “give in to their mob mentality” where people “come with their pitchforks and scream.”

“If Brad Finstad wants to learn more about me, or about what it looks like to actually show up and listen, he’s welcome to join one of our 21 in-person town halls this summer,” said Jake Johnson in the article.

On key issues like the war in Iran, the report notes Finstad has made very few public comments, even after voting against efforts to end the conflict driving up costs for farmers and families across southern Minnesota. 

Post Bulletin: DFLer Jake Johnson significantly outpaces GOP Congressman Brad Finstad in 1st quarter fundraising

Meanwhile, coverage in The Post Bulletin today shows the race tightening, with Johnson outraising Finstad by over $130,000 last quarter.

The article noted:

• “The numbers suggest that the race between the two candidates will be a competitive one”

• “A rising cost of living and unpopular war with Iran have created a challenging environment for Republicans”

• “The 1st District is predominantly a rural district, and many farmers are struggling in the current environment given the rising cost of inputs and fertilizer” 

One Year of Grassroots Momentum:

Today also marks one year since Jake Johnson launched his campaign for Congress in southern Minnesota, a campaign built the grassroots way from day one. 

In one year, the campaign has: 

• Collected 4,500+ petition signatures

• Built a team of 600+ volunteers

• Held events in 21 counties

• Raised $1.2+ million, powered by 23,000+ individual donations

• Taken $0 from corporations

To mark the occasion, this evening, Johnson will return to the Pizza Ranch in Fairmont, where he launched his campaign, to meet with supporters.

“From day one, this campaign has been about making life cheaper and easier for people across southern Minnesota,” Johnson said. “One year in, that message is only getting stronger because it’s rooted in what people actually want from their elected leaders.”