Mayo Clinic physician and State Sen. Matt Klein (DFL-Mendota Heights) recently announced his campaign for Minnesota’s 2nd Congressional District.
Klein joined the state Senate in 2016, representing areas of South St. Paul, Mendota Heights and Inver Grove Heights. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and later attended the Mayo Medical School, graduating with a doctorate in medicine.
Before announcing her U.S. Senate campaign, Rep. Angie Craig (D-Minn.) previously held the district seat in 2019 after beating 20-year incumbent GOP Rep. Jason Lewis.
Klein said in a press release that, as a congressman, he will protect abortion access and fight for working-class families. In this legislative session, Klein established reproductive rights into law and eliminated Social Security taxes for people at lower income levels, the Star Tribune reported.
“Every day, I’m inspired by my neighbors—people who work hard, care for their families, and build stronger communities,” Klein said in the press release. “In Congress, I’ll bring those same Minnesota values to Washington and show them what real problem-solving looks like.”
Klein also championed legalizing online sports betting, which stalled this session, and legislation prohibiting legislators from lobbying for two years after leaving office.
In the state Senate, Klein chairs the Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee and is the vice chair of the Taxes Committee. He plans to seek DFL endorsement, the Star Tribune reported. Klein received a labor endorsement from the Minnesota Pipe Trades Association and Ironworkers Local 512, he said in the press release.
Alongside uplifting workers, Klein promised a commitment to truth, science and governing respectfully in Washington in his press release. Klein was one of many DFL politicians who supported Gov. Tim Walz’s 2022 gubernatorial campaign against Republican Scott Jensen, who doubted the severity of COVID-19.
“Truth and science aren’t optional—they’re essential,” Klein said in the press release. “With our fundamental rights under attack like never before, I’m fighting every day to protect democracy, uphold truth, ensure access to healthcare services, and restore civility. Enough with the chaos— it’s time to get things done.”
Former Lakeville Mayor and DFL Sen. Matt Little is also running for the 2nd District alongside Klein. Other potential Republican candidates for the competitive district include state Sen. Eric Pratt (R-Prior Lake), 2024 Senate hopeful and former marine Joe Teirab and 2020 and 2022 nominee for the seat Tyler Kistner, the Minnesota Reformer reported.