Matt Little takes Minnesota 2nd District from Republican challenger
The former Lakeville mayor won a district that previously voted both ways, helping Democrats secure control of Congress.
By Kwame Silva ·
Former Lakeville Mayor Matt Little defeated Republican state Sen. Eric Pratt to win the open seat for Minnesota's 2nd Congressional District on Tuesday. The progressive Democrat’s victory in a district that had historically voted for both parties signals a shift in the Twin Cities suburbs. Little joins a cohort of newly elected House progressives who secured wins across the state on election night.
The race was triggered by Rep. Angie Craig, a Democrat, who chose to run for the U.S. Senate to replace retiring Sen. Tina Smith. Craig lost that contest in the August Democratic primary to Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, leaving the House seat open for new candidates to contest.
Little, an attorney, built his campaign on a high-profile moment during Operation Metro Surge. He shadowed Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents during local raids and documented the encounters on social media. The interactions intensified when federal agents followed him back to his home. Little stated he supports Medicare for All and wants to curtail the power of federal immigration agencies. He indicated he would seek a seat on the House Oversight and Government Affairs committee if Democrats take control of the chamber.
His opponent, Eric Pratt, is a banker who described himself as a numbers nerd. Pratt maintained a distance from President Donald Trump during the campaign, though he disagreed with the president on issues such as global tariffs. The Pratt campaign faced a setback when it was revealed that its field director had posted social media content praising Adolf Hitler.
The local result fits into a larger national pattern where Democrats gained seats in the U.S. House and U.S. Senate. Voters also elected Democratic gubernatorial candidates in several states. Many Democratic candidates cited corruption and rising costs of living as primary reasons for their platforms. The election served as a referendum on the Trump administration, with voters rejecting Republican nominees in a wave that swept the party out of key legislative positions.
In other Minnesota races, several incumbents held their seats despite a competitive field. Rep. Brad Finstad, a Democrat from the 1st District, remained in a tight race with challenger Jake Johnson early Wednesday morning. Johnson is a high school math teacher and political newcomer who raised a comparable amount of campaign funds to Finstad.
Rep. Kelly Morrison, a Democrat from the 3rd District, won reelection against Republican Tyler Bass. Morrison was first elected to Congress two years ago. Rep. Betty McCollum, a Democrat from the 4th District, defeated Paul Wikstrom, an aerospace engineer. Rep. Ilhan Omar, a Democrat from the 5th District, won a fifth term against retired state patrolman John Nagel.
Omar’s campaign coincided with a federal raid on her Washington, D.C. residence earlier in the month. Department of Homeland Security agents conducted the search on suspicions of immigration fraud, although no proof was presented. On the Republican side, Rep. Michelle Fischbach, R-7th District, defeated Democrat Eric Osberg. Rep. Tom Emmer, R-6th District, beat retired University of Minnesota professor Doug Chapin when the race was called early Wednesday.
The race for the 8th District, representing the Iron Range, was called for incumbent Rep. Pete Stauber, a Republican. He defeated Democratic challenger Trina Swanson. Greater Minnesota reporter Brian Arola contributed to the coverage of these results.
