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DULUTH — U.S. Rep. Pete Stauber formally launched his campaign for a fourth term in Congress via social media Monday.

"Minnesotans are known for our grit," the Hermantown Republican said in a one-minute video. "It’s in our nature to face challenges head-on, working hard until the job is done. Though we face economic challenges imposed on us by the lack of leadership in the White House, our resolve remains unbroken."

Stauber's announcement comes just one week after his 2022 opponent, former state legislator Jen Schultz, of Duluth, launched her second-consecutive bid for the DFL nomination. Stauber defeated Schultz by a 57.2%-42.7% margin last time around.

Steve Kohls / File / Brainerd Dispatch

"We are more than statistics," Stauber said. "We are families. We are workers and entrepreneurs striving for a better tomorrow. I’ve seen the determination and heart of the people in our communities. Seeing your faces is what drives me every day in Congress to ensure our voices are heard, our values are respected and our way of life is preserved.

"It’s not just about facing our challenges. It’s about overcoming them, and I believe wholeheartedly that together we can and must leave this nation better than the Greatest Generation gave to us."

Schultz responded with criticism, claiming the incumbent "hides behind closed doors" rather than engaging with constituents.

“Pete Stauber has been our Congressperson for five years and has nothing to show for it," she said in a statement. "Just last week, he tried to take Now, as he announces his reelection, Pete Stauber is blaming the White House and others instead of telling us what he will do to make our lives better.

“Blaming others is a convenient distraction from the real work that needs to be done right here in our district. Families are struggling, democracy is at risk, women’s and human rights are under attack and international tensions are flaring. We deserve a representative who will bring people together to produce results for Minnesotans, and that’s why I’m running for Congress."

Stauber, 57, is a Denfeld High ÍáÍáÂþ»­ graduate and former minor league hockey player who spent 22 years with the Duluth Police Department, retiring as a lieutenant in 2017. Also the co-owner of a family hockey retail business, he served on the Hermantown City Council and St. Louis County Board before first running for Congress in 2018.

Clint Austin / File / Duluth Media Group

Stauber has remained closely allied with even as Trump faces four criminal indictments — two for attempting to overturn the 2020 election, which he lost — and has been found civilly liable for sexual assault, defamation and business fraud.

Stauber, who frequently issues statements bashing President Joe Biden, said Trump "supported domestic mining and manufacturing jobs, built a strong economy and energy dominance, and our border was a priority" during his tenure.

But Stauber at times has been more moderate than some in his caucus. He criticized last fall, and he has that relied on heavy Democratic support to avert government shutdowns.

Schultz, in challenging Stauber a second time, said she is making an earlier and more organized entry into the race compared to 2022. And while the district has appeared to be a relatively safe red seat in recent cycles, presidential years also tend to result in higher voter turnout.

Schultz, 52, is a professor of health economics at the University of Minnesota Duluth. She served in the Minnesota House of Representatives for District 7A, covering eastern Duluth, from 2015-23.

Candidates can officially file for the race between May 21 and June 4. Primaries, if necessary, would be held Aug. 13 ahead of the Nov. 5 general election.