Democrat Angie Craig Launches 2018 Bid For 2nd District

BURNSVILLE, MN — Angie Craig officially announced Monday her campaign to challenge Republican Rep. Jason Lewis in what would be a rematch for Minnesota's 2nd Congressional District. Craig, who was seen as the front runner in one of 2016's most competitive races, lost to Lewis by less than two percentage points on Election Day. Craig will first seek to become the Democratic nominee for the district in 2018.

"I'm proud to launch my campaign today with the voices and support of so many great Minnesota leaders," Craig said in a statement Monday. "I'm running for Congress to build a Minnesota for all of us. I want to work so that every member of every family is rewarded for their hard work with an outstanding education, the training or re-training for a good job, and a fair shot at a better life. Washington needs leaders that work for all of us here in Minnesota and with the broad support we've already built, I know I can be that leader for the Second District."

Craig launched her campaign with endorsements from several members of Minnesota's congressional delegation, including U.S. Sen. Al Franken, Congressman Rick Nolan, and Congressman Tim Walz.

In an email, Lewis for Congress spokesman Stephen Bradford told Patch, "Rep. Lewis was proud to receive the endorsement that counted in 2016 — the endorsement of the voters — and is grateful for continued support from families, businesses, and unions across the 2nd District. He'll keep working hard on issues that matter to people at home — like reforming health care, lowering taxes, and his successful amendments to improve career and technical education."

A source close to the campaign told Patch that Lewis's team believes he has a record in Congress to be proud of, citing legislative efforts including juvenile justice reform and tax reform.

Craig joins Democrat Jeff Erdmann, a teacher at Rosemount High School, in the race for the DFL Party’s endorsement. Read more: Rosemount High School Football Coach To Run For Congress

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Photo credit: AP Photo/Jim Mone