May Lor Xiong, a refugee from Thailand and former teacher, has secured the Republican nomination for Minnesota’s 4th Congressional District. Her victory in the GOP primary on Tuesday sets up a rematch against incumbent Democrat Rep. Betty McCollum in the November general election.
Xiong and Rechtzigel previously faced off in the 2022 primary, with Xiong emerging victorious with 44% of the vote. This time around, Xiong’s campaign focused on addressing inflation, criticizing government spending, and highlighting her view of McCollum as an out-of-touch career politician. Rechtzigel, a self-described farmer and property manager, centered his campaign on ousting McCollum, criticizing her handling of water safety concerns for district residents.
Rep. McCollum, who has represented the district since 2001, has a strong track record in the heavily Democratic district. She won the 2022 election by a comfortable margin of over 35 percentage points and has consistently secured victories in presidential elections since 2000. The district, encompassing St. Paul and its northern suburbs, is considered a safe haven for Democrats, with the Cook Political Report classifying it as “solid” Democrat.
Despite McCollum’s strong record and the district’s political leanings, Xiong’s nomination presents a potential challenge for the incumbent. Xiong’s campaign platform, centered on economic concerns and criticisms of McCollum’s leadership, could resonate with voters, particularly given the current political climate. The race will undoubtedly be closely watched, as it represents a potential shift in the district’s political landscape.
