Update from Wadena, MN (9/23/25)
- knyreen
- Sep 23
- 3 min read
83 campaign stops in 195 days
by Erik Osberg on 9/23/25
Last week was a busy stretch for us. We had 7 campaign stops in 9 days. On Monday evening, we were in Hawley, MN sharing the vision for our campaign and fielding questions. For nearly 2 hours I did my best to address what was on everyone's hearts & minds. Once again, the evening morphed into a bit of a group problem solving session. The topics discussed were many, as were the connections being made. The lesson learned is when you gather with neighbors, to listen, learn & share, we all walk away with more hope. We all walk away with fresh perspectives. We all walk away with ideas we can put into action. So grateful for the invitation & the 50+ people that showed up to contribute to the conversation.
Wednesday evening we visited Douglas County for a gathering at a wonderful winery just south of Parkers Prairie. Folks gathered under the tent while a light rain cooled me down. Roughly 35 people were there. Lots & lots of questions. Lots & lots of support. Lots & lots of work remains. Huge thanks to everyone who made this get-together happen. And thanks to everyone who showed up and shared what is on their hearts and minds.
The Mrs. & I had the pleasure of attending Farm Aid 40 on Saturday. What an amazing experience. So proud of Minnesota for showing up and staying late. Farming is woven into the fabric of our rural communities here in western Minnesota. We need to stand in solidarity with the stewards of the land, the family farm. One really cool moment for us was when MN Dept. of Ag Commissioner Thomas Peterson introduced Minnesota’s own Trampled by Turtles. We also heard/saw Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats, Eric Burton if Black Pumas, Waxahatchee, Steve Earl, Wynonna Judd, Lukas Nelson, Billy Strings, Kenny Chesney, Margo Price, Dave Matthews & Tim Reynolds, John Mellencamp & Bob Dylan. Had to leave before Neil Young & the Chrome Hearts and Willie Nelson & Family, but we got to watch the rest of the show from the hotel. What an incredible day. Just might wanna attend Farm Aid 41.
On Sunday we stopped at the DFL Rural Caucus Chili Cookoff Fundraiser on our way back from the Twin Cities. Great turnout at a great venue. Milk & Honey Ciders near St. Joseph is an impressive facility with open air & lots of cover. I counted 9 candidates for state & federal office in attendance. MN Secretary of State Steve Simon, other elected officials & members of MN DFL leadership were on hand as well. Happy to see so much enthusiasm this far away from election day. Keep up the good work everyone.
Sunday marked our 83rd campaign stop since we announced on March 11th. It has been a wild ride over the past 6 months. Here are some of our stats to date.
Our schedule is gonna lighten up a bit over the next few weeks. We will be in Renville County this Saturday.
Here is a look at more upcoming events.
Oct 5th - Community Fish Fry - Sauk Centre, MN
Oct 11th - DFL CD7 Oktoberfest - Granite Falls, MN
Thank you for all the support & keep up the good work!
Thanks to our generous donors, we are closing in on $107,000 raised. Our campaign relies on donations from folks like you. If you have already donated, THANK YOU! If you have set up a recurring donation, even better. If you would like to host a private party fundraiser, click here: https://secure.ngpvan.com/SKQtMANaY0W8nGqHcpukXA2
