Finstad is optimistic about retaining his House seat, even if Republicans lose the House
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A crowd of about 100 supporters of U.S. Rep. Brad Finstad gathered in the Sleepy Eye Event Center for the Republican’s election night party. There’s a relaxed atmosphere in the room, while screens are tuned into Fox News, as the conservative network broadcasts election results from races all over the country.
The incumbent was shown to be in a tight race with DFL challenger Jake Johnson and maintains a slight lead, though not all votes have been counted. After polls closed at 8 p.m. Finstad met with reporters and said he felt “excitement” and that he remains hopeful that he will win reelection.
“I’m very optimistic. I am by nature grateful,” Finstad said. “I’m very grateful, humbled … what an honor to represent 750,000 people in southern Minnesota, and to walk up our national’s Capitol steps and go in knowing that I have a yes or no vote on behalf of them, and here I am asking for that opportunity for another two years, and I’ve just been overwhelmed by the support all over the district.”
The stakes are high as this race for Minnesota’s 1st congressional district is one of the most competitive races in the country. If Johnson unseats Finstad, it could help Democrats win control of the U.S. House. The district was thought to be solidly Republican, but the Rochester math teacher has been closing the gap in polls with Finstad in recent weeks.
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Despite the possibility of losing control of the House, Finstad said if he is reelected, he’s committed to bipartisan collaboration.
“I will work with anybody and everybody that is focused on making our country better, and specifically, if we have an opportunity to make southern Minnesota just a little bit better for that next generation,” Finstad told reporters shortly after arriving at the event center.
He also noted the national attention and millions of dollars of outside money that poured into the race, most of it being spent on negative campaign ads.
“I think people are just sick of dysfunction in general in politics,” he said. “What we have seen this cycle, with again the negative ads … we need adults in the room now more than ever as a country. People are asking for that, and I look forward to being that adult in the room.”
