Michelle Fischbach Projected To Defeat Longtime Democrat Peterson

DETROIT LAKES, MN — Democratic Rep. Collin Peterson has represented western Minnesota since 1991, but he is projected to lose his reelection bid to Republican Michelle Fischbach, the Associated Press reports.

In an age where party and political ideology almost always go hand in hand, Peterson is one of the few conservative "blue dog" Democrats left in Congress.

Peterson — who chairs the powerful House Agricultural Committee — is unique because he's a Democrat whose district is in the rural Midwest, which almost always go heavily "red" on Election Day.

The seventh district is located in western Minnesota, and stretches from the southern half of the state all the way to the Minnesota-Canadian border.

• Democrat Collin Peterson: 116,509 votes
• Republican Michelle Fischbach: 155,778 votes

Despite his district voting heavily for Republican Donald Trump in the 2016 presidential election, Peterson was returned to office for another term that year. He say his experience and time in Congress proves that he can pass policy that benefits his constituents.

"I have the experience of getting things done in Congress," Peterson told Patch in his candidate profile.

"I have guided three Farm Bills through Congress, one as Chair and two as ranking member. All passed with bipartisan support and included important safeguards for our farmers, including the Dairy Margin Coverage program and several voluntary conservation programs. I worked with Rep. Bill Thomas to get the Medicare Advantage legislation passed, which included support for Critical Access Hospitals."

Fischbach says Peterson isn't as moderate as he says. She's also using her endorsement from President Donaold Trump — who is popular in the seventh — as leverage.

"I won't vote for Nancy Pelosi as Speaker, who represents the wrong direction for our country," she told Patch in her own candidate profile. "I am endorsed by President Trump and Vice President Pence. My opponent has endorsed Joe Biden and likes to tell people he has been on the 'Biden Bandwagon' for 33 years."