Republicans are Skipping Out on Debates, Forums and their Constituents. Senate and House DFLers are Showing Up. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ST. PAUL, MN — Across the state incumbent Republicans are making one thing clear: They won’t answer to their constituents. Incumbent Republicans in both the Minnesota House and Senate have skipped out on 30+ debates in recent weeks, refusing to face their constituents or answer their questions. They are also avoiding public forums where advocates and leaders in the community are hoping to have important conversations. 

DFL legislators and candidates have shown up consistently and are doing what Republican lawmakers are avoiding — defend their record and interview for the job that they already have.  

Districts across the state are facing the consequences of steep costs increases, unaffordable housing and healthcare, underinvestment in their communities and continued federal funding cuts. These Republican lawmakers are afraid of the  necessary conversations to address these issues and hiding from their constituents  and accountability.

And some of these lawmakers have been working for Minnesotans for YEARS.

But their absence is also not going unnoticed.  

“If you want to be a voice for your community at the legislature, you need to show up at debates,” said Senate DFL Campaign Chair Nick Frentz (SD18). “So far this election cycle, around the state, Republican candidates are failing to appear at non-partisan debates. Candidates from both parties should face constituents and voters so they can openly discuss issues facing  Minnesotans, like the rising cost of living. DFL candidates have been showing up – and we will keep showing up.” 

“At a time when Minnesotans are struggling to put food on the table and gas in their vehicles, showing up is the least we can do as elected officials running for reelection,” said DFL House Leader Zack Stephenson (HD35A). “Yet, we’ve seen a lack of enthusiasm from Republicans when it comes to candidate recruitment, door knocking, and now, they are avoiding debates and forums. It’s clear Republicans do not have plans to make Minnesotans’ lives better, and they are not strong enough to be held accountable to their constituents. These candidates would rather rely on dark-money ads and mailers than their own answers on issues their neighbors care about. If you want to keep this job, you need to show up.

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