Local teacher's grassroots campaign for congress raises over $100K on first day

Jake Johnson, a public school teacher from southern Minnesota, launched his campaign to challenge Congressman Brad Finstad on Thursday, April 17th. Donors contributed over $100,000 during the course of the first day. 

ROCHESTER, Minn. – On Thursday, Jake Johnson launched his campaign for Congress to earn the trust and votes of residents across southern Minnesota. Within a day, the campaign raised over $100,000, demonstrating the significant grassroots support behind his candidacy.

“People were chipping in anywhere from the cost of a cup of coffee, to a month of rent. Especially when money is so tight for so many, these contributions show that people are deeply frustrated by what they’re getting with Finstad in office, and are seeing something special happening with our campaign,” Jake Johnson said. “This is just day one – we have a long way to go. But the message is loud and clear: the people of southern Minnesota want a change, and we’re going to get that, together.” 

Additionally, Jake Johnson hosted his first campaign event last night: a meet and greet in Fairmont. He plans to hold a town hall in every county of Minnesota’s first district.

Jake Johnson speaking to constituents in Fairmont on launch day.

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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