Swanson invites Stauber to debates during 8th District town hall tour

Josh Hinke | September 9, 2026

DFL candidate Trina Swanson is challenging U.S. Rep. Pete Stauber to a series of debates ahead of the November midterm election for Minnesota’s 8th Congressional District.

Swanson announced a six-week town hall tour across the district, dubbed the “Let’s Fix It!” tour. The tour will stop in six communities, including areas that have supported Republican candidates in recent elections.

Swanson has invited Stauber to join her at any of the six events for a public debate on issues affecting families and communities across the district.

In an interview with WTIP earlier this year, Swanson talked about hearing frustration from voters regarding Stauber’s infrequent presence in the district.

“Probably one of the top five things that I hear is that Pete Stauber has these virtual town halls. He’s on a phone. They can’t ask the questions they want to ask, and there’s no back-and-forth engagement, and he’s not listening to folks,” Swanson told WTIP.

Stauber has held telephone town halls and appeared at several events in Minnesota this year. Last month, he headlined a news conference responding to Gov. Tim Walz’s executive order regarding nonferrous mining in the Rainy River Headwaters.

Stauber and Swanson also appeared together Aug. 4 at a Minnesota FarmFest congressional candidate forum, where they discussed agricultural and rural issues.

Stauber plans to attend at least one day of the Republican midterm convention in Dallas, Texas, according to MPR News.

WTIP asked Stauber to participate in a debate with Swanson or sit for an interview before the start of early voting. As of publication, his office had not responded.

“Voters deserve the opportunity to hear directly from those who wish to represent them,” said Trina Swanson. “I have demonstrated my commitment to showing up, listening to people’s concerns, and engaging in frank conversation. I look forward to continuing that commitment, and I’m calling on Pete Stauber to do the same.”

Swanson did a district-wide tour shortly after announcing her candidacy last May, visiting all 21 counties. She has recently been endorsed by EMILYs List and Indivisible.

The dates and locations of Swanson’s town hall events are:

Sept. 16 — Crow Wing County
Dunmire’s on the Lakes Restaurant
19090 State Highway 371, Brainerd

Sept. 22 — Isanti County
Location to be determined, Cambridge

Oct. 5 — Beltrami County
Rail River Folk School
303 Railroad St. SW, Bemidji

Oct. 7 — Itasca County
Location to be determined, Grand Rapids

Oct. 14 — Iron Range
Biwabik Park Pavilion
100 Fifth Ave. N., Biwabik

Oct. 20 — Washington County
Location to be determined