Education Minnesota endorses Chapin, Osberg for Congress
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CHRIS WILLIAMS
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ST. PAUL, Minnesota. Aug. 7, 2026 — Education Minnesota has endorsed Doug Chapin in Minnesota’s 6th Congressional District and Erik Osberg in the 7th Congressional District.
Educators from both districts interviewed the candidates during the endorsement process. The recommendations were accepted or approved by the political action committees of the American Federation of Teachers and the National Education Association. Both candidates oppose private school vouchers, support collective bargaining rights for public employees and said they would work to protect and expand Medicaid funding, according to their responses on National Education Association candidate questionnaires.
Doug Chapin, 6th Congressional District
“Doug Chapin has spent his career protecting the systems that make our democracy work,” said Monica Byron, president of Education Minnesota. “Minnesota’s 6th District needs a member of Congress who will fight just as hard for public schools, and Doug Chapin is ready to do exactly that.”
Chapin, a lawyer, has worked in election policy and administration for nearly 40 years. He spent a decade at the University of Minnesota’s Humphrey School of Public Affairs, where he founded the nation’s first online certificate program in election administration. He later led the elections team at the Pew Charitable Trusts and founded electionline.org, a nonpartisan source for election policy news. Chapin has also practiced election and ethics law and served as elections counsel to Democrats on the U.S. Senate Rules Committee. He holds a law degree from Georgetown University, a master’s degree in public administration from Harvard University, and a bachelor’s degree from Princeton University. He lives in Hanover.
Erik Osberg, 7th Congressional District
“Erik Osberg has spent his life working hard for western Minnesota, and he’ll bring that same commitment to Congress,” said Monica Byron, president of Education Minnesota. “Public schools need a champion in Washington, and educators trust Erik Osberg to be that leader for our students.”
Osberg is a husband, father and small business owner who has worked in the financial sector, public sector, media and trades. He is running to represent western Minnesota, saying voters need a member of Congress who listens first and puts people ahead of party politics. Osberg lives in Wadena.
Education Minnesota will announce more state and federal endorsements this summer and fall.
About Education Minnesota
Education Minnesota is the voice for professional educators and students. Education Minnesota’s members include teachers and education support professionals in Minnesota’s public school districts, faculty members at Minnesota’s community and technical colleges and University of Minnesota campuses in Duluth and Crookston, retired educators and student teachers. Education Minnesota is affiliated with the American Federation of Teachers, National Education Association and AFL-CIO.
