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DULUTH — Incumbent U.S. Rep. Pete Stauber and challenger Jen Schultz will go head to head in the general election to represent Minnesota's 8th Congressional District.

Stauber, a three-term Republican from Hermantown, will again face the DFL-nominated Schultz — a former state representative from Duluth — after the pair ran against each other in 2022 with Stauber

Contributed / Minnesota Secretary of State

Each candidate answered the following questions in their own words ahead of the primary election in August.

How do you view the state of the economy in northeastern Minnesota right now, and what can you do in Congress to support local job growth?

Joe Biden’s economy is crippling working families. Our costs of living are skyrocketing. Energy prices are through the roof. The American dream of homeownership for young families is virtually unattainable. We need to change course. We must put America first by building a pro-growth economy and enact an all-American energy policy that doesn’t rely on our adversaries. We must become critical mineral dominant by mining those minerals right here at home, generating an economic boom throughout the region, and doing it in an environmentally sound way, with union labor. Mining is part of our past, present and future!

What should the federal government be doing to ensure public safety in our communities?

As a 23-year police officer, I am proud to be a foremost leader in Congress when it comes to keeping our communities safe. We are clearly at a crossroads in our nation between those defending law and order and standing and supporting our law enforcement, and those who are more interested in sending criminals back to the streets making our communities less safe. Unlike some of my congressional colleagues who continue calling to defund our law enforcement, I will do all I can to provide our police with the resources needed to keep our communities safe.

Do you support congressional action on abortion, birth control, in vitro fertilization or other reproductive health measures?

As the father of six beautiful children, including two who were adopted, I believe all life has value and should be protected. However, before we were blessed with our first child, my wife and I struggled to conceive. I support all families who are trying to have a child, whether that’s through natural birth, adoption, foster care or fertility treatment like IVF. I support congressional action on policies that protect the sanctity of life and opportunities for families to grow.

About the candidate

• Party: Republican
• Age: 58
• Residence: Hermantown
• Education: Bachelor's in criminal justice from Lake Superior State University
• Occupation: Retired from 23-year police officer career
• Public service: U.S. Congress, St. Louis County commissioner, Hermantown City Council member, Board member, United Day Activities Center and Managed Military Heroes Hockey camp

How do you view the state of the economy in northeastern Minnesota right now, and what can you do in Congress to support local job growth?

As an economist, I will bring meaningful investments to our region and will focus on fixing our economy, so it works for everyone. I’ll represent working people, not political parties. I’ll help small businesses, work to increase affordable housing and access to health care, and invest in our port, infrastructure and schools — all things businesses need. I’ll work with everyone regardless of party affiliation. I’ll vote for infrastructure bills, and champion policies to bring back and protect domestic manufacturing and responsible mining to create jobs. I’ll strengthen the middle class because it is the foundation of our economy.

What should the federal government be doing to ensure public safety in our communities?

Public safety is about protecting people and communities. I fully support law enforcement and first responders. I strongly oppose defunding the police. I have great respect for first responders and military personnel as my late father was a dedicated firefighter, paramedic and Vietnam veteran. We need to secure our borders humanely. Congress should have passed the bipartisan border bill. We need to address illicit drug use by improving border security and drug surveillance. I will address mental health and homelessness. We need to make sure people have access to basic needs and opportunities to thrive.

Do you support congressional action on abortion, birth control, in vitro fertilization or other reproductive health measures?

Every person should have the right to make their own health decisions with their doctor, not politicians. I support reproductive rights including abortion, access to birth control and IVF treatment. We need to codify these long-held protections into law. Restrictive state laws are jeopardizing women’s lives. In addition to increasing access to healthcare, I will protect Social Security and Medicare. I have a track record of getting things done through being an independent thinker, asking good questions, solving problems and helping people. There is a better way forward where we improve lives by investing in people and in our communities.

About the candidate

Contributed / Amanda J. Cane

Party: Democrat
Age: 53
Residence: Duluth
Education: Graduate degree from the University of Minnesota
Occupation: Economist and educator
Public service: State legislator, 2015-2022; Great Lakes commissioner, 2015-2022