Jake Johnson, a high school mathematics educator from Stewartville, Minnesota, is seeking to win a US House seat in a district that has been represented by Republicans since 2018. Johnson, whose family relied on government assistance programs including food stamps, Medicaid, Pell grants, and Stafford loans during his childhood, cites his background as motivation for his candidacy.
Johnson previously worked as a member of a bargaining team and government relations coordinator with Education Minnesota, the state’s teacher union. He argues that unions have played a crucial role in public school improvements, pointing to their advocacy for smaller class sizes and teacher compensation. His campaign is focused on economic affordability in the predominantly rural district, which he describes as the ninth most agriculturally productive in the nation.
The Democratic candidate has targeted what he characterizes as harmful policies by the Trump administration, particularly tariffs that he says have increased costs for farmers and small businesses. He also contends that healthcare cuts have affected the district, home to the Mayo Clinic medical center, and points to the closure of four clinics in the area. Additionally, Johnson has criticized his Republican opponent, incumbent Brad Finstad, for declining to hold in-person town halls, suggesting instead that such decisions prioritize political donors over constituent engagement.
According to a February 2026 poll conducted by a Democratic polling firm, Finstad held a 35% approval rating in the district with 38% disapproving. In a midterm election survey, Finstad led Johnson 44% to 41%, with 15% of voters undecided. The Cook Partisan Index rates the district as +6 in favor of Republicans. Johnson argues that unpopularity of certain administration policies creates an opening for Democrats, though Finstad’s office did not respond to requests for comment.