John Nagel
Won the August 11, 2026 Republican primary with 52.2% of the vote.
Nagel is a retired Minnesota State Patrol officer running as the Republican nominee against incumbent Ilhan Omar, campaigning on public safety, immigration enforcement, and reducing federal spending.[4]
Basic profile — the most important sourced facts we found.
Positions on the issues
- SupportsExpand immigration enforcement and deportations
Supports strengthening border security and immigration enforcement.[4]
“In Congress, I will fight to make sure our border is locked down so tightly that Democrats can never tear it open again.”
- SupportsIncrease police funding and staffing
Supports increased funding and support for police.[4]
“our men and women in blue receive the funding and support they deserve”
- OpposesRaise taxes on high earners or corporations
Campaigns on cutting taxes and reducing federal spending rather than raising taxes.[4]
“I will cut taxes, fight inflation, eliminate fraud and waste, and restore accountability in Washington.”
- MixedPublic funding for school choice (vouchers / charters)
Criticizes current school curricula and calls for schools to focus on 'the basics,' though does not explicitly call for voucher or charter funding on his campaign site.[4]
“We need classrooms that focus on learning, not indoctrination.”
- SupportsContinue U.S. military aid to Israel
States he will 'never tolerate Jew-hatred in any form' and frames support for Israel-related positions as a campaign theme, in contrast to Rep. Omar.[4]
“I will never tolerate Jew-hatred in any form and will always put people before politics.”
In their words — priorities
Background
- A lifelong resident of Saint Louis Park, Minnesota, who still lives in the home his grandfather built.[4]
- Earned a degree in Criminal Justice from the University of St. Thomas; interned with Edina Police and rode along with Saint Louis Park officers.[4]
- Served roughly 30 years with the Minnesota State Patrol beginning in 1981, patrolling Hennepin County, working as a safety consultant for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and serving on the Governor's security detail before retiring as a Field Lieutenant in 2011.[4]
Campaign money
Raised $747K · spent $700K · $47K cash on hand (through 2026-07-22) FEC filing ↗