Can Fish Fry Town Halls Change Rural Politics? | Erik Osberg
Can gathering neighbors over fried fish help change who gets heard in Washington?
In Episode 49 of The Politics Chicks podcast, Christy and Monica welcome Erik Osberg, the Minnesota DFL candidate challenging Michelle Fischbach in Minnesota’s 7th Congressional District, for a conversation about rural voters, common concerns, and accountable representation.
Known as the “fishing politician,” Erik explains why his community fish fry town halls welcome everyone—and what he’s hearing from people who feel their concerns have gone unanswered. He shares stories of Republican support, challenges Fischbach’s record, and explains why he wants a constitutional amendment overturning Citizens United.
The conversation also explores his work on rural economic development in Otter Tail County, the need for housing and childcare, and his argument that family farmers need predictable markets and reliable trade relationships. Erik describes how he would build an accessible congressional office and why showing up must continue after Election Day.
As Erik puts it: “I want to be beholden to the people.”
Listen to the full episode for a candid conversation about community, corporate influence, and what meaningful representation could look like for western Minnesota—plus a distinctly Minnesotan lightning round.
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