Staff photo by Fritz Busch Minnesota First District Congressman Brad Finstad praises Trump administration, Republican efforts at the First Congressional District Convention at New Ulm High School Saturday.

NEW ULM — Congressman Brad Finstad of New Ulm praised the Trump administration at the Congressional District (CD) 1 Republican Convention at New Ulm High School Saturday.

He called the November 2024 election an election for the record books.

“We had great results in the First District thanks to each and every one of you,” said Finstad.

“We’re starting to see gas and egg prices drop. Donald Trump is providing bold leadership. I’m seeing more transparency in the federal government than I’ve ever seen. It’s exhausting but refreshing,” he said.

He said federal DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) training was costing millions of dollars until President Trump signed executive orders calling for the end of such programs in the public and private sectors.

“We’ll give people a hand up, but not a handout, said Finstad.

He called the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency said to be tasked with reducing federal spending “the most transparent, under the hood look at government in modern history.”

Finstad said President Trump was elected last fall first and foremost to “fix our border.”

“Promises made, promises kept. As of today, illegal U.S. border crossings have decreased 95%. That and deporting illegals that are here is taking drugs off the streets and making our communities safer,” he said.

“If we all decide to work together, more efficiently, more effectively, we can elect a Republican governor in Minnesota. We can’t do it sitting on our hands. The Democrats are fired up now. Continue to be involved. Thank you so much for your support, prayers and friendship. Don’t forget for a second we have a lot of work to do. God bless you,” said Finstad.

Brown County Republican Chairman Greg Bartz was elected to the CD 1 Senate District 15 Executive Committee. Yvonne Simon of Blue Earth County was elected a Senate District 15 alternate.

Elected CD1 officers were Chairman Lukas Severson, Freeborn County; Deputy Chairman Eliajah Lippert, Faribault County; Secretary Isaac Blum, Mower County; Treasurer Jim Schumann, Olmsted County; and State Executive Committee Representative Doran Kasal, Mower County.

“We have young leadership. Severson and Blum are in their 20s, Lippert is 32. The young leadership bodes well for the future of the Republican party,” Bartz said.