Republicans Challenge Progressive Policies in Minnesota with Far-Right Candidates
Minnesota is witnessing a political clash, as Governor Tim Walz’s progressive initiatives face opposition from Republicans fielding far-right candidates. The upcoming elections for every seat in the Minnesota House of Representatives, where Democrats currently hold 70 out of 134 seats, are crucial in this battle.
Republican Candidates and Their Campaigns
In District 41B, Republican candidate Tom Dippel aims to secure a position in the House, representing areas like Hastings and parts of Cottage Grove. Dippel previously ran unsuccessfully for the state senate in 2022.
During his initial campaign, Dippel’s website prominently featured anti-abortion rhetoric, referring to reproductive rights advocates as “opponents of life.” He asserted, “I am 100% pro-life,” emphasizing the significance of human life and his commitment to fighting for the vulnerable.
The website also advocated for gun ownership as a means of self-defense, despite a 6.9% decrease in violent crime in Minnesota from 2022 to 2023.
Dippel completed a candidate questionnaire from the conservative Minnesota Family Council in both campaigns. In 2022, he expressed support for school choice, labeling public schools as “social, communist, marxist indoctrination camps.” This year, he reiterated his support without further explanation.
Additionally, Dippel described homosexuality as an “abomination” and criticized athletes competing in sports not matching their birth sex. His opponent in the race is Democratic candidate and brewery owner Jen Fox.
Other Far-Right Republican Candidates
Another Republican candidate, Sue Ek, running in District 14B, has also expressed extreme views on abortion and women’s health. In 2019, Ek falsely claimed that birth control pills are designed to abort fetuses, a statement reported by Heartland Signal. She avoided answering whether she would support a law banning contraception, focusing on other priorities instead, as noted by the Minnesota Star Tribune.
Before her candidacy, Ek served as executive director of the Billings Ovulation Method Association, advocating for natural fertility solutions and opposing medical interventions. She organized a 2010 conference in Oklahoma City featuring speakers from the Catholic Medical Association, which likened contraception to eugenics.
Ek is challenging incumbent Democratic Rep. Dan Wolgamott in the upcoming election.
Incumbent Republicans and Their Stance
Some incumbent Republicans in the Michigan House, including Rep. Natalie Zeleznikar (District 3B), Rep. Roger Skraba (District 3A), and Rep. Bernie Perryman (District 14A), have been vocal against progressive bills. They opposed a 2023 bill codifying abortion rights into the state constitution.
Skraba remarked, “Because of this bill, Minnesota’s abortion policy will be more closely aligned with countries like North Korea and China than France, the United Kingdom, and the rest of the western world.”
These Republicans also resisted a bill providing free lunches to all Minnesota public school students. Zeleznikar, particularly, has faced criticism for spreading anti-vaccine conspiracy theories. In March, she proposed a bill allowing child care providers discretion over vaccine exemptions, controversially comparing vaccines to cannabis.
Zeleznikar’s proposal failed to pass. Her Democratic opponent this year is former judge Mark Munger.
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