Doug Chapin for Congress
June 18, 2026 · Newsletter
Congress Has Money For Everything Except Your Problems
Congress spent much of the last two weeks debating immigration enforcement funding, foreign policy crises, and the latest round of partisan political battles.
Whatever your position on those issues may be, one thing is clear: when Washington decides something is a priority, Congress finds the money.
Billions of dollars can be authorized. Massive legislative packages can move through Congress. Endless hours can be devoted to cable news appearances, political messaging, and social media arguments.
But a recent Minnesota poll tells a different story about what voters are actually thinking.
A recent Star Tribune/KARE 11 Minnesota Poll found that voters in the “Rest of Metro” region—which includes much of Minnesota’s Sixth District—disapprove of President Trump’s job performance by a 53% to 45% margin.
That finding mirrors what Doug continues to hear throughout the district. People are worried about affordability. They’re worried about healthcare costs. They’re worried about housing. They’re worried about whether their children will have the same opportunities previous generations enjoyed.
While Washington remains focused on political battles, families across the Sixth District are focused on making ends meet.In other words, people are worried about their finances, their families, and their futures.
Those concerns rarely seem to receive the same urgency in Washington.
And that’s the problem.
What Doug Heard This Week
While Washington focused on political fights, Doug spent the week doing what he’s been doing throughout this campaign: listening.
He spent time talking with young people at our Gen Z Town Hall in Delano about education, student debt, healthcare, and an economy where they’re working harder than ever but still struggling to afford a home of their own or build savings for the future.
The concerns were familiar.
People want affordable healthcare. They want housing they can actually afford. They want good-paying jobs. They want their kids to have opportunities that seem increasingly out of reach.
And they want elected officials who are focused on solving problems instead of creating new ones.
Those conversations weren’t unique. They’re the same concerns Doug hears everywhere he goes in the Sixth District.
On Main Street, Not Cable News
One thing became especially clear this week: voters want candidates who show up.
The week began at the Buffalo Fly-In Pancake Breakfast and Car Show, where Doug had the chance to meet families and community members from across the area. From classic cars to privately owned aircraft, the event showcased the pride, craftsmanship, and community spirit that make Greater Minnesota special.
From there, Doug rolled The Democracy Rescue Rig through Albertville alongside Senate District 30 DFL and local candidates, handing out candy and meeting voters. The campaign also participated in parades in Sartell and Waite Park, shaking hands, meeting families, distributing dog treats, and listening to residents throughout the district.
The common theme was simple: people want leaders who show up.
Meanwhile, Tom Emmer spent much of the week making national media appearances, praising immigration enforcement actions, and once again discussing fraud and partisan political grievances.
The contrast could not be clearer.
Doug spent the week talking with young people about education, student debt, healthcare, housing affordability, and the economic challenges facing working families.
Tom Emmer spent the week talking to cable news audiences.
As House Majority Whip, Tom Emmer is one of the most powerful Republicans in Congress. He helps set priorities. He helps determine what gets attention and what gets ignored.
That makes a simple question worth asking:
If Congress can move quickly when political priorities are on the line, why can’t it move with the same urgency when families are struggling with healthcare costs, housing affordability, childcare expenses, student debt, and economic uncertainty?
Leadership is about priorities.
And priorities are revealed by where our leaders spend their time.
The Sixth District Deserves Better
Minnesotans are practical people.
We understand that government cannot solve every problem.
But we also know when elected officials have stopped focusing on the problems that matter most.
The people of the Sixth District deserve representation that starts with their concerns, not Washington’s talking points.
They deserve leaders who spend more time listening than performing.
They deserve leaders who understand that public service is about improving people’s lives, not building a personal brand.
And they deserve a representative who remembers who sent him to Washington in the first place.
Upcoming Events Around the Sixth District
Working Family Community Picnic: Building Momentum Together
📅 Thursday, June 18
🕠 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 Lake Minnewashta, 6900 Hazelpine Blvd, Chanhassen
Join Doug, volunteers, supporters, and community members as we celebrate one year since Doug stepped up to take on Tom Emmer. This potluck gathering brings together supporters from across Carver County and the Sixth District as we prepare for a busy summer of organizing, outreach, and community engagement.
St. Cloud Juneteenth Celebration
📅 Friday, June 19
🕠 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM
📍 Lake George / Eastman Park, St. Cloud
Doug will join community members at the 30th Annual St. Cloud Juneteenth Celebration to recognize history, community, and progress.
Manitou Days Parade
📅 Friday, June 19
🕠 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 Lake Avenue, White Bear Lake
Join SD36 and represent Doug Chapin in one of the region’s largest and most beloved summer traditions.
Becker Freedom Days Parade
📅 Saturday, June 20
🕠 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
📍 Becker Field House, Becker
Walk alongside Doug and the Democracy Rescue Rig while helping distribute treats, carry signs, and connect with community members.
Buffalo Days Pre-Parade Canvass
📅 Saturday, June 20
🕠 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM
📍 Buffalo
Since political campaigns are not permitted in the official parade, volunteers will canvas the parade route before festivities begin, meeting voters and sharing Doug’s vision for the district.
Lake Waconia Band Festival
📅 Saturday, June 20
🕠 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 Waconia
Join Doug at one of the region’s favorite summer traditions as communities gather for the annual Lake Waconia Band Festival.
Want To Help Flip The Sixth?
Summer parade season is officially underway, and we need your help.
We’re looking for volunteers to walk parade routes, hand out candy and campaign materials, carry signs and banners, talk with voters, help with setup and teardown, and support events throughout the district.
We’re also looking for additional Rig drivers and volunteers willing to help transport campaign materials and support campaign activities throughout CD6.
Campaigns are built by people who show up.
If you’ve been thinking about getting involved, now is the perfect time.
Join us at an upcoming event, meet fellow supporters, and help us build the grassroots movement that will flip Minnesota’s Sixth Congressional District.
Ready for Better
Every week, more people across the Sixth District are getting involved.
They’re attending events. They’re volunteering. They’re talking to neighbors.
They’re having conversations about the future they want for their families, their communities, and our country.
That momentum continues to grow because people know things can be better than this.
The Sixth District deserves leadership focused on healthcare, affordability, opportunity, and the everyday challenges facing working families.
That’s the future Doug is fighting for.
And with 138 days until Election Day, more and more voters are making it clear:
We can do better. We deserve better. And we’re dead set on making it a reality
#FlipThe6th #LFG #ReadyForBetter
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