Rep. Brad Finstad, a former interim director of the Minnesota Turkey Growers Association (MTGA) and the Minnesota Turkey Research & Promotion Council (MTRPC), survived another challenge from former Hormel Foods CEO Jeff Ettinger.
Finstad, a Republican, gained an estimated 53.9% of the votes, while Democrat Ettinger received 42.3% of the votes.
Finstad, on August 9, won a special election to serve out the remainder of the term previously held by Minnesota District 1 Rep. Jim Hagedorn, who passed away in February. Finstad, a Republican, was sworn into office on August 12. Finstad also defeated Ettinger in that election.
“The voters of Southern Minnesota have spoken. I want to congratulate Brad Finstad on winning the election last night. Though I had hoped to celebrate different news, there is plenty for which to be hopeful. Tens of thousands of voters came out to vote for a common-sense, moderate approach to representation. While that message did not carry us to victory, I believe that the voters of this district want an approach to governance that represents everyone in the district, not just one party or the other. I am honored and grateful to every single person who supported my campaign, voted for me, and took the time to listen to my message,” Ettinger said in a statement on his campaign’s Facebook page.
A comment from Finstad was not available.
Prior to his work with the MTGA and MTRPC, Finstad served as state director for USDA Rural Development in Minnesota during Sonny Perdue’s tenure as agriculture secretary, as an area director with Minnesota Farm Bureau, and as a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives.
Ettinger is a former Jennie-O Turkey Store president who was eventually promoted to president, CEO and chairman of parent company Hormel Foods. Ettinger retired as Hormel’s president and CEO in 2016, and as chairman in 2017.
Craig retains seat
In another closely watched congressional race in Minnesota, Rep. Angie Craig, a Democrat, survived a challenge from Republican challenger Tyler Kistner, gaining 51% of the votes, compared to 45.7 from Kistner.
Craig, who represents Minnesota’s Second District, is a member of the House Agriculture Committee.
In 2020, during her first term, Craig advocated for financial assistance for turkey producers who suffered market disruptions and related costs related to the COVID-19 pandemic through the second Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP 2).
“In our state, many independent turkey growers are responsible for all of their input costs, putting them at a greater financial risk,” Craig said at the time. “We must do everything we can to support them and protect their livelihoods during this uncertain time.”
