ST PAUL, Minn. — Former President Donald Trump got endorsements from every Republican in Minnesota's congressional delegation on Wednesday, including Rep. Tom Emmer who was criticized by Trump back in October as he made his bid to be the speaker of the U.S. House.
"Democrats have made it clear they will use every tool in their arsenal to try and keep Joe Biden and his failed policies in power," Rep. Emmer said in a statement. "We cannot let them. It's time for Republicans to unite behind our party's clear frontrunner, which is why I am proud to endorse Donald J. Trump for President."
Rep. Emmer, who is also the House Majority Whip, is joined by Representatives Brad Finstad, Michelle Fischbach and Pete Stauber in pledging their support on Wednesday for the former president.
"Joe Biden’s failed policies have left Minnesotans to grapple with double-digit inflation, higher taxes, and a border crisis that has turned every community into a border community. Minnesotans and all Americans deserve better," Rep. Fischbach said in a statement. "It is time for Republicans to come together in support of a leader who has what it takes to get our country back on track. We stand together to endorse Donald J. Trump for President."
Rep. Emmer made a brief bid to become the U.S. House speaker after Rep. Kevin McCarthy's ouster, and Trump issued a scathing attack on the Minnesota representative, calling him a "Globalist RINO" or "Republican In Name Only." Trump then reportedly started making calls to lawmakers in an attempt to "kill" Emmer's bid. Although Emmer has largely aligned with Trump in the past, going so far as to even support his post-election litigation, he did vote to certify the 2020 election results.
The GOP's endorsements come ahead of Minnesota's March 5 presidential primaries, which open to early voting on Jan. 19. Minnesota Democrats challenged putting Trump's name on the primary ballot under a constitutional provision that forbids those who "engaged in insurrection" from holding office, however, the state's highest court dismissed the lawsuit back in November.
"Minnesota Republicans are now openly admitting what has been obvious for a while — they have become the party of, by, and for Donald Trump," said Minnesota DFL Chairman Ken Martin in a statement Wednesday. "Minnesota voters have repeatedly rejected Donald Trump's anti-democracy, anti-abortion politics and his plans to take away working families' health insurance, but Minnesota Republicans are doubling down. Republicans up and down the ballot in November will have to answer for why they are abandoning Minnesota values and kissing Donald Trump's ring."
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