ROCHESTER — U.S. Rep.
Brad Finstad faces two GOP challengers in a primary election Tuesday, Aug. 13, to represent Minnesota’s First Congressional District with the winner facing DFL candidate Rachel Bohman in the general election. The two GOP challengers are Shawn Tweten, a Mankato therapist, and Greg Goetzman, a Rochester resident.
Tweten says Washington’s dysfunctional politics needs fixing and that a licensed therapist could help bring the two parties together. He is running on the motto “Love your neighbor.” Tweten said the bad-blood in Congress is evidenced when House members are challenging each other to fist fights or hurling insults at each other.
“As a mental health therapist, I believe living in a constant state of fear is emotionally unhealthy,” Tweten said. “I want to help change the political narrative.” ADVERTISEMENT Tweten earned a bachelor’s degree at Oak Hills Christian Church in Bemidji, Minn.
He has a doctorate degree in marriage and family therapy at National University. Goetzman of Rochester listed nuclear disarmament, balancing the budget and protecting the environment as his three top issues. He described himself as a liberal Republican who hoped to ride a "big blue wave" ignited by the Democratic presidential ticket of Kamala Harris and Tim Walz into Congress.
"I'm endorsing (Harris-Walz) even though I'm a Republican," Goetzman said. "My goal is to talk to the political parties at the county fairs." A New Elm farmer and small-busine.