Minnesota's 8th Congressional District election, 2026

← 2024
Minnesota's 8th Congressional District
General election
Election details
Filing deadline: June 2, 2026
Primary: August 11, 2026 General: November 3, 2026
How to vote
Poll times: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Voting in Minnesota
Race ratings
Cook Political Report: Solid Republican DDHQ and The Hill: Pending Inside Elections: Solid Republican Sabato's Crystal Ball: Safe Republican
Ballotpedia analysis
U.S. Senate battlegrounds U.S. House battlegrounds Federal and state primary competitiveness Ballotpedia's Election Analysis Hub, 2026
See also
Minnesota's 8th Congressional District U.S. Senate • 1st • 2nd • 3rd • 4th • 5th • 6th • 7th • 8th Minnesota elections, 2026 U.S. Congress elections, 2026 U.S. Senate elections, 2026 U.S. House elections, 2026 Alabama U.S. House racesAlaska U.S. House raceArizona U.S. House racesArkansas U.S. House racesCalifornia U.S. House racesColorado U.S. House racesConnecticut U.S. House racesDelaware U.S. House raceFlorida U.S. House racesGeorgia U.S. House racesHawaii U.S. House racesIdaho U.S. House racesIllinois U.S. House racesIndiana U.S. House racesIowa U.S. House racesKansas U.S. House racesKentucky U.S. House racesLouisiana U.S. House racesMaine U.S. House racesMaryland U.S. House racesMassachusetts U.S. House racesMichigan U.S. House racesMinnesota U.S. House racesMississippi U.S. House racesMissouri U.S. House racesMontana U.S. House racesNebraska U.S. House racesNevada U.S. House racesNew Hampshire U.S. House racesNew Jersey U.S. House racesNew Mexico U.S. House racesNew York U.S. House racesNorth Carolina U.S. House racesNorth Dakota U.S. House raceOhio U.S. House racesOklahoma U.S. House racesOregon U.S. House racesPennsylvania U.S. House racesRhode Island U.S. House racesSouth Carolina U.S. House racesSouth Dakota U.S. House raceTennessee U.S. House racesTexas U.S. House racesUtah U.S. House racesVermont U.S. House raceVirginia U.S. House racesWashington U.S. House racesWest Virginia U.S. House racesWisconsin U.S. House racesWyoming U.S. House raceSubmit

All U.S. House districts, including the 8th Congressional District of Minnesota, are holding elections in 2026. The general election is November 3, 2026. To learn more about other elections on the ballot, click here.

Candidates and election results

Note: The following list includes official candidates only. Ballotpedia defines official candidates as people who:

• Register with a federal or state campaign finance agency before the candidate filing deadline
• Appear on candidate lists released by government election agencies

Note: At this time, Ballotpedia is combining all declared candidates for this election into one list under a general election heading. As primary election dates are published, this information will be updated to separate general election candidates from primary candidates as appropriate.

General election

The general election will occur on November 3, 2026.

General election for U.S. House Minnesota District 8

Incumbent Pete Stauber, Emanuel Anastos, Cyle Cramer, and John-Paul McBride are running in the general election for U.S. House Minnesota District 8 on November 3, 2026.

		Candidate
		Pete Stauber (R)
		Emanuel Anastos (D)
		Cyle Cramer (D)
	Submit photo	John-Paul McBride (D)

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined.
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Chad McKenna (D)

Candidate profiles

This section includes candidate profiles that may be created in one of two ways: either the candidate completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey, or Ballotpedia staff may compile a profile based on campaign websites, advertisements, and public statements after identifying the candidate as noteworthy. For more on how we select candidates to include, click here.

Emanuel Anastos

Party: Democratic Party

Incumbent: No

Political Office: None

---

Key Messages

To read this candidate's full survey responses, click here.

---

We should all have healthcare (going to the doctor should be free), we should be able to go to college or trade school tuition free (if we are willing to put in the work to graduate) we should all make a living wage of at least 20$ an hour (if we are willing to work a job), and we should all get a little bit of our tax money given back to us to use to donate to political candidates we like, so the richest people have less of an oversized influence on our democracy.

---

I was born in Long Island, NY and came to Minnesota for school in 2017, where I attended Carleton College, just south of the Twin Cities, for four years. After living off campus and learning remotely the last year of school, and then graduating in June of 2021, I applied for tribal government jobs all over Minnesota because I sensed that it could offer something more than what mainstream American society could offer. To this date, I’ve worked as an ICW case manager for the Bois Forte Band of Chippewa for over 2 years, have worked for Bois Forte (in general) for almost 4 years, and have lived on Lake Vermilion Reservation for over 3 years.

---

Now, here I am, running for Congress in the 8th District because I believe that’s the best thing I can do to fight back against both the corruption and the war against our freedoms that has gotten out of control since the 2024 presidential election. But, fighting back is about more than just fighting back. In my eyes, it’s about working towards a vision of equality, where the people as a whole rule this country, instead of just the very few people with the most wealth. 

Cyle Cramer

Party: Democratic Party

Incumbent: No

Political Office: None

Submitted Biography:  "Cyle Cramer is a Democratic candidate running for the U.S. House to represent Minnesota’s 8th Congressional District. He is a lifelong problem-solver who brings grit, determination, and practical experience to the challenges facing people across northeastern Minnesota. Cramer’s campaign focuses on real-world solutions on the issues people care about. He emphasizes tough negotiation over partisanship and believes in turning good ideas into action. He is committed to showing up, listening, and getting results that matter."

---

Key Messages

To read this candidate's full survey responses, click here.

---

Cyle's service in Congress will be what it’s meant to be: a voice for the people he represents.

---

Cyle believes in strengthening America, promoting opportunity, and that when an individual’s rights are threatened all of our rights are threatened.

---

Cyle goal is delivering results and negotiation instead of partisan gridlock.

John-Paul McBride

Do you have a photo that could go here? Click here to submit it for this profile!

Party: Democratic Party

Incumbent: No

Political Office: None

Submitted Biography:  "For as long as I can remember, I have had a burning passion for politics and math. I am smart, creative, dedicated to making America a better place. At a time when Democratic voters demand outside the box thinking, I was born outside the box, and I have no desire to find a way in. As an autistic man, I can’t rely on an intuitive sense of how other minds should work; I have to do it the hard way through conversational interaction. I think that’s why I’ve been able to find friendships across ideological boundaries. Which isn’t to say that I’m willing, or if I’m going to be completely honest, capable of backing down from a worthwhile fight."

---

Key Messages

To read this candidate's full survey responses, click here.

---

Americans need universal healthcare. Healthcare that covers everything from eyeglasses to elder care to dental care and everything else. Healthcare without signup windows or marketplaces or other administratve complexities that are legible only to senior citizens. Healthcare that’s there for the type of young men that jump off of stuff to impress their friends.

---

Climate change is an existential danger to humanity as a whole. Too many Democrats have taken an incoherent position, touting green investments and bragging about increasing fossil fuel prodution at the same time. Meanwhile, Republicans have embraced the total nihilism of climate denial. We are on the verge of an apocalypse, and we need to act like it.

---

Finally, Congress needs a security force that can protect its members while they conduct oversight and to prevent another 1/6 attack. We can no longer rely on a corrupt, partisan Supreme Court to keep our fascist president in check. The Department of Homeland Security must be broken up. Furthermore, ICE must be destroyed.

Voting information

See also: Voting in Minnesota

Ballotpedia will publish the dates and deadlines related to this election as they are made available.

Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey responses

Ballotpedia asks all federal, state, and local candidates to complete a survey and share what motivates them on political and personal levels. The section below shows responses from candidates in this race who completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Survey responses from candidates in this race

Click on a candidate's name to visit their Ballotpedia page.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

Expand all | Collapse all

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Emanuel Anastos (D)

We should all have healthcare (going to the doctor should be free), we should be able to go to college or trade school tuition free (if we are willing to put in the work to graduate) we should all make a living wage of at least 20$ an hour (if we are willing to work a job), and we should all get a little bit of our tax money given back to us to use to donate to political candidates we like, so the richest people have less of an oversized influence on our democracy.

I was born in Long Island, NY and came to Minnesota for school in 2017, where I attended Carleton College, just south of the Twin Cities, for four years. After living off campus and learning remotely the last year of school, and then graduating in June of 2021, I applied for tribal government jobs all over Minnesota because I sensed that it could offer something more than what mainstream American society could offer. To this date, I’ve worked as an ICW case manager for the Bois Forte Band of Chippewa for over 2 years, have worked for Bois Forte (in general) for almost 4 years, and have lived on Lake Vermilion Reservation for over 3 years.

Now, here I am, running for Congress in the 8th District because I believe that’s the best thing I can do to fight back against both the corruption and the war against our freedoms that has gotten out of control since the 2024 presidential election. But, fighting back is about more than just fighting back. In my eyes, it’s about working towards a vision of equality, where the people as a whole rule this country, instead of just the very few people with the most wealth. 

Cyle Cramer (D)

Cyle's service in Congress will be what it’s meant to be: a voice for the people he represents.

Cyle believes in strengthening America, promoting opportunity, and that when an individual’s rights are threatened all of our rights are threatened.

Cyle goal is delivering results and negotiation instead of partisan gridlock.

John-Paul McBride (D)

Americans need universal healthcare. Healthcare that covers everything from eyeglasses to elder care to dental care and everything else. Healthcare without signup windows or marketplaces or other administratve complexities that are legible only to senior citizens. Healthcare that’s there for the type of young men that jump off of stuff to impress their friends.

Climate change is an existential danger to humanity as a whole. Too many Democrats have taken an incoherent position, touting green investments and bragging about increasing fossil fuel prodution at the same time. Meanwhile, Republicans have embraced the total nihilism of climate denial. We are on the verge of an apocalypse, and we need to act like it.

Finally, Congress needs a security force that can protect its members while they conduct oversight and to prevent another 1/6 attack. We can no longer rely on a corrupt, partisan Supreme Court to keep our fascist president in check. The Department of Homeland Security must be broken up. Furthermore, ICE must be destroyed.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Emanuel Anastos (D)

Preserving our democracy, our Constitution, and free and fair elections are a top priority. But this may only be possible if everyone has enough money to live a decent life. No one should make less than 20$ an hour, no one should have to pay for a college education, no one should have to pay to go to the doctor, and EVERYONE should be able to financially contribute to a candidate that they feel would be best for any elected office.

Yet, I feel like our country also needs a change that goes BEYOND policy.

We need to embrace this land’s indigenous roots, and give the 574 federally recognized tribes a lead role in both federal policy-making and in enlightening our people to the indigenous knowledge of this land that still exists today.

Cyle Cramer (D)

Cyle believes every community deserves investment to keep people there and to rebuild thriving small-town America.

John-Paul McBride (D)

All forms of individual rights. Women’s rights. Reproductive rights. Racial justice. Trans rights. LGBTQ rights. Native rights. Immigrant rights. Disability rights. Everyone should be free from discrimination and oppression, everywhere and always.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Cyle Cramer (D)

Listening to constituents and negotiation over partisanship.

John-Paul McBride (D)

Kindness, thoughtfulness, sincerity, and humility.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Cyle Cramer (D)

Hearing from constituents directly and embracing new approaches to ensure every suggestion and criticism is heard and valued.

John-Paul McBride (D)

Constituent service. I think it’s important toassist the public in resolving problems with government agencies by acting as a liaison and helping constituents navigate the bureaucratic process.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

Cyle Cramer (D)

My very first job was a camp counselor at a cub scout camp. I later was a camp counselor for adults and kids with disabilities.

John-Paul McBride (D)

When I was 16, I spent a summer mopping floors in the food service department at St Lukes. It was my first union job. I didn’t truly appreciate that I needed a union at the time, but the following three decades of my life have been one lesson after another in the absolute necessity of worker representation

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

John-Paul McBride (D)

Lady Eboshi, from Princess Mononoke.

What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?

Cyle Cramer (D)

The U.S. House of Representatives has short terms (2 years) and many districts that help capture different voices in America.

John-Paul McBride (D)

The House has the shortest terms and most proportional representation of all the branches of government. It also has the power of the purse, although that power has been usurped first by the Senate via the Byrd rule and the filibuster, and secondly by an autocratic executive branch and its servile Supreme Court.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?

Cyle Cramer (D)

Previous experience in government and politics is helpful but not necessary for representatives. The most important traits for representatives is knowledge of effective law and policy making.

John-Paul McBride (D)

I don’t believe that previous experience is necessary. Legislating is a collaborative endeavor, and new voices can bring fresh perspectives to the table.

What do you perceive to be the United States’ greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

Cyle Cramer (D)

Rebuilding trust in our government and those we disagree with.

John-Paul McBride (D)

Our greatest challenge over the next decade will be to repair our international relations.

Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?

Cyle Cramer (D)

Yes.

John-Paul McBride (D)

It doesn’t matter whether or not I think it’s right; it’s the law.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

John-Paul McBride (D)

I oppose term limits. Short political careers would only incentivize corrupt politicians to cash in while they can.

Is there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

Cyle Cramer (D)

Jim Oberstar was the long-time representative for Minnesota's 8th Congressional district. He helped pass important legislation for employee and labor protections that I think are vital to a strong working class.

John-Paul McBride (D)

I deeply admire the way Illan Omar drafted articles of impeachment against Donald Trump even as the insurrectionists were still storming the Capitol.

Both sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

John-Paul McBride (D)

Yes, but it's not my story to tell.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Cyle Cramer (D)

Negotiation is central to effective and lasting policy. We live in an extremely partisan system right now where as soon as one party gets in control it does everything it can, simply to get undone when the other party gets in control...just to then get reversed again. It's not a sustainable or efficient way to govern.

John-Paul McBride (D)

No truce with tyrants, no compromise with kings, no negotiation with Nazis.

The Constitution says that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House. What role would this power play in your priorities if elected?

John-Paul McBride (D)

I would take action to see that this Constitutional power is restored.

Candidates hear many personal stories from voters. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching or memorable?

John-Paul McBride (D)

I'm pretty sure I answered this question elsewhere.

What role should the United States government have in the development or use of artificial intelligence?

John-Paul McBride (D)

I would impose high tax rates on AI energy and water usage. Ordinary users should not have to pay for the fantasies of tech billionaires.

What legislation would you enact related to election administration in the United States?

John-Paul McBride (D)

I would pass a bill invoking the Exceptions Clause to overturn Citizens United vs Federal Elections Commission and Buckley vs Valeo. Political donations should never have been ruled a form of protected speech, and should be strictly regulated by Congress.

You can ask candidates in this race to fill out the survey by clicking their names below:

• Pete Stauber

Campaign finance

Name	Party	Receipts*	Disbursements**	Cash on hand	Date
Pete Stauber	Republican Party	$903,632	$600,527	$831,599	As of September 30, 2025
Emanuel Anastos	Democratic Party	$0	$0	$0	Data not available***
Cyle Cramer	Democratic Party	$0	$0	$0	Data not available***
John-Paul McBride	Democratic Party	$0	$0	$0	Data not available***
Source: Federal Elections Commission, "Campaign finance data," 2026. This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC). * According to the FEC, "Receipts are anything of value (money, goods, services or property) received by a political committee." ** According to the FEC, a disbursement "is a purchase, payment, distribution, loan, advance, deposit or gift of money or anything of value to influence a federal election," plus other kinds of payments not made to influence a federal election. *** Candidate either did not report any receipts or disbursements to the FEC, or Ballotpedia did not find an FEC candidate ID.

General election race ratings

See also: Race rating definitions and methods

Ballotpedia provides race ratings from four outlets: The Cook Political Report, Inside Elections, Sabato's Crystal Ball, and DDHQ/The Hill. Each race rating indicates if one party is perceived to have an advantage in the race and, if so, the degree of advantage:

• Safe and Solid ratings indicate that one party has a clear edge and the race is not competitive.
• Likely ratings indicate that one party has a clear edge, but an upset is possible.
• Lean ratings indicate that one party has a small edge, but the race is competitive.
• Toss-up ratings indicate that neither party has an advantage.

Race ratings are informed by a number of factors, including polling, candidate quality, and election result history in the race's district or state.

Race ratings: Minnesota's 8th Congressional District election, 2026
Race tracker	Race ratings
	12/9/2025	12/2/2025	11/25/2025	11/18/2025
The Cook Political Report with Amy Walter	Solid Republican	Solid Republican	Solid Republican	Solid Republican
Decision Desk HQ and The Hill	Pending	Pending	Pending	Pending
Inside Elections with Nathan L. Gonzales	Solid Republican	Solid Republican	Solid Republican	Solid Republican
Larry J. Sabato's Crystal Ball	Safe Republican	Safe Republican	Safe Republican	Safe Republican
Note: Ballotpedia reviews external race ratings every week throughout the election season and posts weekly updates even if the media outlets have not revised their ratings during that week.

Ballot access

The table below details filing requirements for U.S. House candidates in Minnesota in the 2026 election cycle. For additional information on candidate ballot access requirements in Minnesota, click here.

Filing requirements for U.S. House candidates, 2026
State	Office	Party	Signatures required	Filing fee	Filing deadline	Source
Minnesota	U.S. House	Ballot-qualified party	1,000	$300	6/2/2026	Source
Minnesota	U.S. House	Unaffiliated	1,000	N/A	6/2/2026	Source

District history

The section below details election results for this office in elections dating back to 2020.

District analysis

This section will contain facts and figures related to this district's elections when those are available.

See also

Minnesota	2026 primaries	2026 U.S. Congress elections
Minnesota congressional delegation Voting in Minnesota Minnesota elections: 2026 • 2025 • 2024 • 2023 • 2022 • 2021 • 2020 • 2019 • 2018	Democratic primary battlegrounds Republican primary battlegrounds U.S. Senate Democratic primaries U.S. Senate Republican primaries U.S. House Democratic primaries U.S. House Republican primaries	U.S. Congress elections U.S. Senate elections U.S. House elections Special elections Ballot access

External links

• Search Google News for this topic

Footnotes

[show]

Minnesota's current delegation to the United States Congress

Senators

Amy Klobuchar (D)

Tina Smith (D)

Representatives

District 1

Brad Finstad (R)

District 2

Angie Craig (D)

District 3

Kelly Morrison (D)

District 4

Betty McCollum (D)

District 5

Ilhan Omar (D)

District 6

Tom Emmer (R)

District 7

Michelle Fischbach (R)

District 8

Pete Stauber (R)

Democratic Party (6)

Republican Party (4)

2025-2026 Elections to the United States Congress

Senate by State

Alabama • Alaska • Arkansas • Colorado • Delaware • Florida (special) • Georgia • Idaho • Illinois • Iowa • Kansas • Kentucky • Louisiana • Maine • Massachusetts • Michigan • Minnesota • Mississippi • Montana • Nebraska • New Hampshire • New Jersey • New Mexico • North Carolina • Ohio (special) • Oklahoma • Oregon • Rhode Island • South Carolina • South Dakota • Tennessee • Texas • Virginia • West Virginia • Wyoming

---

House by State

Alabama • Alaska • American Samoa • Arizona • Arkansas • California • Colorado • Connecticut • Delaware • Florida • Georgia • Guam • Hawaii • Idaho • Illinois • Indiana • Iowa • Kansas • Kentucky • Louisiana • Maine • Maryland • Massachusetts • Michigan • Minnesota • Mississippi • Missouri • Montana • Nebraska • Nevada • New Hampshire • New Jersey • New Mexico • New York • North Carolina • North Dakota • Northern Mariana Islands • Ohio • Oklahoma • Oregon • Pennsylvania • Rhode Island • South Carolina • South Dakota • Tennessee • Texas • U.S. Virgin Islands • Utah • Vermont • Virginia • Washington • West Virginia • Wisconsin • Wyoming

---

Election information

Ballot access for major and minor party candidates • List of candidates running for election • List of congressional challengers • Retiring senators • Retiring representatives

---

Super PACs/Organizations

American Bridge 21st Century • American Crossroads • American Unity PAC • Campaign for Primary Accountability • Club for Growth Action • Congressional Leadership Fund • Cooperative of American Physicians IE Committee• Crossroads Generation • Ending Spending Action Fund • Endorse Liberty • Fair Share Action • FreedomWorks for America • Government Integrity Fund • House Majority PAC • Independence USA Fund • League of Conservation Voters • Liberty for All PAC • Majority PAC • National Association of Realtors • NEA Advocacy Fund • Now or Never PAC • Planned Parenthood Votes • Ready for Hillary • Republicans for a Prosperous America • Restore America's Voice PAC • SEIU Pea-Federal • Women Vote!

Ballotpedia

About

Overview • What people are saying • Support Ballotpedia • Contact • Contribute • Job opportunities

---

Executive: Leslie Graves, Founder and CEO • Gwen Beattie, Chief Operating Officer

Communications: Alison Graves, Director of Communications • Carley Allensworth • Abigail Campbell • Frank Festa • Sarah Groat • Nathaniel Harwood • Dillon Redmond
External Relations: Geoff Pallay, Director of External Relations • Ken Carbullido, Vice President of Election Product and Technology Strategy • Ashley Fleming • Thomas Mardik • Hannah Nelson
Operations: Meghann Olshefski, Director of Operations • Amanda Herbert • Mandy Morris • Caroline Presnell • Kelly Rindfleisch
Tech: Matt Latourelle, Director of Technology Operations • Ryan Burch • Kirsten Corrao • Beth Dellea • Travis Eden • Tate Kamish • Margaret Kearney • Eric Lotto • Joseph Sanchez • Mary Susmitha

Contributors: Scott Rasmussen

---

Editorial Content

Josh Altic, Director of Content • Daniel Anderson, Associate Director of Elections & Data • Cory Eucalitto, Associate Director of Features • Ryan Byrne, Managing Editor of Ballot Measures • Mandy McConnell, Managing Editor of News • Doug Kronaizl, Managing Editor of Local Expansion • Abbey Smith, Managing Editor of Elections • Janie Valentine, Managing Editor of Law • Joel Williams, Managing Editor of Events • Andrew Bahl • Jaclyn Beran • Marielle Bricker • Joseph Brusgard • Emma Burlingame • Kelly Coyle • Jon Dunn • Victoria Edwards • Thomas Ellis • Nicole Fisher • Joseph Greaney • Thomas Grobben • Brianna Hosea • Molly Kehoe • Tyler King • Glorie Martinez • Norm Leahy, Senior Editor • Nathan Maxwell • Jimmy McAllister • Brandon McCauley • Ellie Mikus • Ellen Morrissey • Mackenzie Murphy • Kaley Platek • Samantha Post • Adam Powell • Annelise Reinwald • Spencer Richardson • Victoria Rose • Briana Ryan • Myj Saintyl • Maddy Salucka • Emma Soukup • Alexis Thacker • Mina Vogel • Samuel Wonacott • Trenton Woodcox