Paul Wikstrom
REngineering manager
Won the Republican primary over Paul Xiong and Gene Rechtzigel with 72.6% of the vote.
Paul Wikstrom is the Republican nominee challenging Rep. Betty McCollum. He is an engineering manager from Shoreview who previously ran unsuccessfully for a Minnesota House special election in 2025.[3]
Basic profile — the most important sourced facts we found.
Positions on the issues
- OpposesRaise taxes on high earners or corporations
Says his priority is making sure working Americans keep more of their paychecks, framing his campaign around reducing the tax and regulatory burden on workers and local industry.[3]
In their words — priorities
- Protecting jobs, cutting regulatory red tape on local industries, and letting working Americans keep more of their paychecks.[3]
Background
- Grew up in Montana and North Dakota before moving to Minnesota as a young adult; earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, and a graduate degree from the University of St. Thomas.[3]
- Worked in seismic exploration, road construction and farming before becoming an engineer; currently works as an engineering manager.[3]
- Lost the March 11, 2025 special general election for Minnesota House District 40B to David Gottfried (D), 70.2%-29.8%.[3]
- Has been married 30 years and raised three children in Shoreview, Minnesota.[3]
Campaign money
Raised $28K · spent $15K · $2,205 cash on hand (through 2026-07-22) FEC filing ↗