Brad Finstad: The Voice of Agriculture and Traditional Values in the U.S. Congress
The man in the photo, wearing a sharp suit, a prominent red tie, and glasses, speaking confidently into a microphone, is none other than Brad Finstad, a Republican politician who currently serves as the U.S. Representative for Minnesota’s 1st Congressional District.
Representative Finstad is a prime example of the region’s traditional and agricultural values, bringing his experience from the farm to the floor of Congress. His life and political career are a journey deeply tied to his home region and its rural community.
I. Background and Agricultural Roots
Brad Finstad was born on May 30, 1976, in New Ulm, Minnesota. He is a fourth-generation resident of the area, having grown up on his family’s farm in Brown County. This agricultural background profoundly shaped his later views and policies.
He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Education from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. Armed with this degree, he began his career in the agricultural sector, including working in human resources for a large family farm and later serving as the district representative for agricultural policy for former U.S. Representative Mark Kennedy.
II. Political Journey and Public Service Career
Brad Finstad’s political career was built step-by-step, starting at the state level:
- Minnesota State Legislature (2003–2009): He was elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives in 2002 and served three terms. During this time, he served as the Assistant Minority Leader and on the Rural Health Advisory Committee. This experience gave him a clear understanding of the unique challenges facing rural Minnesota communities.
- Leadership in Rural Development: After leaving the state legislature, he served as the CEO of the Center for Rural Policy and Development from 2008 to 2017, a non-profit policy research organization.
- USDA Rural Development Director (2017–2021): In 2017, President Donald Trump appointed him as the Minnesota State Director of USDA Rural Development. This position allowed him to directly oversee and implement programs to support economic development, infrastructure, and quality of life for rural communities across the state.
III. U.S. Congressman
The biggest turning point in Finstad’s career was the 2022 special election to fill the vacant federal House seat for Minnesota’s 1st District.
- Election as Congressman (2022 – Present): With his political experience and deep connection to the agricultural community, he won the special election and was subsequently re-elected for a full term.
- Congressional Committees: In the House, he serves on crucial committees, notably the Agriculture Committee and the Armed Services Committee. His position on the Agriculture Committee allows him to directly champion the interests of farmers and advance policies that support the agricultural industry, which is the economic backbone of his district.
IV. Political Stance and Values
Brad Finstad’s political stance reflects his commitment to conservative principles and rural communities:
- Support for Agriculture and Farmers: As a fourth-generation farmer, he views agriculture as the foundation of American freedom and prosperity. He is committed to opposing policies like the “Green New Deal,” which he believes threaten the livelihoods of farmers.
- Energy Policy: He advocates for maximizing the use of American energy resources, including coal, oil, gas, and nuclear power, to lower costs for families and enhance national security.
- Veterans and National Security Support: His involvement in the Armed Services Committee underscores his priority in adequately resourcing the military and providing better care for veterans.
- Social Values: As a Catholic, Finstad is a strong proponent of family values, high-quality schools, and safe neighborhoods.
V. Personal Life
Brad Finstad is married to Jackie, and they have seven children. In addition to his political work, his family owns and operates an agricultural soil testing company, reaffirming his continuous connection to the farming sector.
In summary, Brad Finstad is a Republican politician, a farmer, and a public servant with years of experience at both the state and federal levels, who consistently fights for the interests of agriculture, rural communities, and conservative values in the U.S. Congress. The red tie he wears at the podium symbolizes the assertiveness and passion he brings to his work serving his constituents.
