KARLSTAD, Minn. — Steve Boyd, who challenged U.S. Representative Michelle Fischbach in the 2024 Republican primary for Minnesota’s 7th Congressional District, has endorsed retired U.S. Air Force Major Dave Hughes in his bid to unseat Fischbach in the upcoming Republican primary election, the Hughes campaign announced Tuesday.
“Dave Hughes is exactly the kind of representative we need here in Minnesota’s 7th Congressional District. He is a combat-tested veteran who has served our nation with honor and integrity, and most importantly, he is a strong conservative who believes deeply in the Constitution,” Boyd said. “Dave has the leadership qualities and discipline that are lacking in Washington, and that’s why I’m proud to endorse him as he fights to reduce government overreach, restore prosperity to our rural communities and put America first.”
Boyd, a conservative, Christian from Kensington, Minnesota, challenged Fischbach last election cycle in the Republican primary and notably prevented her from earning the party’s endorsement at the state Republican Party convention.
Despite being outspent by more than 6-to-1 (Fischbach spent $1.3 million in the primary, while Boyd spent $200k), first-time-candidate Boyd snatched more than 35 percent of the vote away from Fischbach for a fraction of the cost, demonstrating a glaring sign of weakness from the entrenched career politician who had to fundraise largely from outside of the district to survive the grassroots threat (79 percent of Fischbach’s political contributions came from outside the district).
Hughes praised Boyd’s previous challenge for demonstrating the demand for principled, uncompromising conservatism in western Minnesota and gratefully accepted his endorsement.
“I am deeply honored to receive Steve Boyd’s endorsement,” Hughes said. “Steve’s courageous run last cycle showed what’s possible when conservatives stand up for our values without compromise. It is time to bring real change to CD-7. When I am elected, I will actually fight for our farmers, families and freedoms against the disconnected Washington establishment.”
Hughes is a resident of Karlstad, devoted husband, and father of seven, who served for 21-years in the U.S. Air Force, where he piloted KC-135 refueling tankers and Reaper drones. Hughes announced his run earlier this year, and previously ran for the seat, earning the Republican Party endorsement in 2016 and receiving President Donald Trump’s backing in 2018.
According to Hughes, he is running to restore constitutional limits, protect individual liberty, strengthen national security, and return power to families, communities and states. Additionally, he has pledged to hold town hall meetings in all 39 counties of the sprawling district each term.
For more information, visit www.votedavehughes.com.
About Dave Hughes
Dave Hughes is a conservative Republican, retired U.S. Air Force Major, combat veteran, and pilot with 21 years of active-duty service. He lives in western Minnesota with his family and remains active in veteran and community causes. For more information, visit VoteDaveHughes.com and follow the campaign on social media.
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