Profile of Collin Peterson: The Last Conservative Democrat in Congress

Veteran Congressman Collin Peterson Faces Tough Re-Election Battle in Minnesota

Leaning against a light blue convertible and waiting to take his place in the annual homecoming parade in Marshall, Minn., Collin Peterson recounted a recent 3 a.m. phone call from House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. The 76-year-old congressman from Minnesota’s Seventh District has been a fixture in Washington for three decades, but this year, he’s facing one of his toughest re-election battles yet.

Peterson, a conservative Democrat, has long been a thorn in the side of more progressive members of his party. He’s one of the few remaining Democrats who voted against impeaching President Trump last year and has consistently taken positions that align more with Republicans than his own party. This has made him a target for Republicans looking to flip his district, which Trump won by over 30 percentage points in 2016.

Despite his conservative leanings, Peterson has managed to hold onto his seat through multiple Republican waves, thanks in large part to his strong ties to the agriculture community in his district. Known as “the godfather of sugar” for his work with the sugar beet industry, Peterson has been a key player in passing multiple farm bills and has the support of the agriculture industry in his re-election bid.

But this year, Republicans see an opening with Trump back on the ballot. They’ve recruited former lieutenant governor Michelle Fisch­bach to challenge Peterson, and they’re investing millions in what they see as a prime opportunity to flip a blue district red.

Peterson’s campaign ads this cycle could easily be mistaken for a Republican’s, touting his vote against impeachment, support from law enforcement, and opposition to environmentalists. Despite his conservative positions, Peterson has managed to maintain his seat by carefully calibrating his relationships with the Democratic Party and focusing on issues that resonate with his rural constituents.

As he faces perhaps his toughest re-election battle yet, Peterson remains steadfast in his commitment to his district and his conservative values. Whether he will be able to hold onto his seat in a district that has become increasingly polarized remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Collin Peterson is not backing down without a fight.