Erik Osberg’s first 365 days running
Erik Osberg’s first 365 days running to unseat U.S. Rep. Fischbach have included 140 campaign stops and substantial funds raised
(WADENA, Minn. / March 4, 2026) – When Wadena’s Erik Osberg announced on March 11, 2025, that he was running for U.S. Congress to represent western Minnesota, he said, “I want to hear the real issues you face daily, and those conversations are best had face to face.”
That’s exactly what he’s been doing. Osberg’s first year on the campaign trail has included 140 campaign stops across all 38 counties in the Seventh Congressional District. Whether at one of the community fish fries he has hosted or addressing groups throughout Minnesota’s largest district, Osberg has had in-person discussions with thousands of people from all walks of life.
“We’ve been having great conversations with voters about working-class issues that affect our wallets, our kids and our senior citizens,” said Osberg. “When you set aside politics and rhetoric, we’re all Minnesotans who want the same thing: to make our lives better than they are today.”
A Democrat running against incumbent U.S. Rep. Michelle Fischbach, Osberg said his key areas of focus are on agriculture, education, healthcare, defending the Constitution and getting corporate money out of politics.
Through March 1, his campaign has raised more than $184,000 from 1,975 individual donations. For comparison, the DFL-endorsed candidate from 2022 raised $33,555 while the 2024 DFL-endorsed candidate raised $17,604, both for their entire campaigns.
“I’m running because I know we can do better, which starts with listening to each other and exchanging commonsense ideas,” he said. “Whether someone wants me to come to their Lions Club, their outdoors club or their book club, I’ll be there.”
Osberg, 53, graduated from Upsala Area Schools and Hamline University. An avid angler and hunter, he has lived in Wadena for 20 years with his wife and their three children.
For the past nine years, Osberg has worked in the public sector as the Rural Rebound Initiative Coordinator for Otter Tail County. He also has private sector experience as a small business owner, producing a TV show called the Outdoor Report, which highlighted the natural wonders of rural Minnesota. He spent a decade in financial services as an investment advisor for Edward Jones, as a banker, and as an agent for Farm Bureau Financial Services.
Osberg also has a blue-collar background that includes work on construction sites and driving truck overnight.
Now starting Year 2 of his campaign, Osberg continues to hold many meet-and-greet events around the Seventh District. A list of upcoming events – all of which are open to everyone – as well as additional information about Osberg and his campaign, may be found at www.ErikOsberg4Congress.com.