A Lot of People Are Ready for Better

Last week’s CD6 DFL Unity Dinner in Ramsey was a chance to celebrate the people doing the hard work of organizing, building community, and moving this district forward.

It was also a reminder of what comes next.

As Senator Paul Wellstone once urged us to “do better” for one another, it is becoming increasingly clear that many people across the Sixth District are ready for better in 2026.

Ready for leaders who listen.
Ready for leaders who show up.
Ready for leaders focused on affordability, stability, and real solutions instead of chaos and political theater.

That is what this campaign is about.

And after months of conversations at the doors and in communities across MN-06, it is clear that message is resonating.

Congress Is Back. The Problems Never Left.

Congress returned to Washington this week after yet another recess, and the agenda facing lawmakers is enormous.

Funding ICE expansion.
Funding a billion-dollar White House ballroom.
Expanding electronic surveillance powers.
Protecting cryptocurrency interests from regulation.
And another looming debate over Congressional war powers and the war in Iran.

These are serious issues with real consequences for working families.

And yet many voters across this district still feel like the issues affecting their daily lives are being ignored.

Recently at the Republican CD6 convention, Tom Emmer dismissed affordability concerns by saying:

“Everybody is talking about affordability. That’s the biggest BS word I’ve ever seen.”

But affordability is not bullshit to families across Minnesota.

And voters notice when Washington seems more focused on partisan performance than solving real problems.

And then, in a moment of accidental honesty, Emmer said this about politicians:

“This is what Americans get so upset with about politicians. This is literally what they’re mad about. These guys won’t do their jobs.”

On that point, he’s right.

Americans are frustrated because too many politicians are not doing their jobs.

And here in the Sixth District, voters can see the difference between what Tom Emmer says and what Tom Emmer does.

He says politicians should do their jobs, while the House he helps lead slides further into chaos.

He dismisses affordability, while Minnesota families are paying more at the pump and in the grocery aisle.

He spends his time attacking Democrats, his constituents, and even Senate Republicans, while working people are asking for help, stability, and leadership.

That’s the problem.

It’s clear Tom Emmer will not do his job.

We deserve better.

And more and more voters are ready for better.

If Congress Won’t Listen, We Will

One of the most important responsibilities of anyone seeking public office is listening.

That is why Doug is restarting regular town halls across the district beginning next week.

Not campaign rallies.
Not carefully-scripted media events.

Real conversations.

An opportunity for voters to ask questions, raise concerns, and talk honestly about the issues affecting their communities.

As Doug put it this week:

“I’m not expecting to be perfect, but I’m going to keep practicing.”

That practice starts with showing up.

Community Conversation on Gun Violence

📅 Monday, May 18
📍 Chaska High School

Hosted alongside SD48 DFL and focused on gun violence, public safety, and the Second Amendment.
Event details at: https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/948932/

Howard Lake Town Hall

📅 Tuesday, May 19
🕡 6:30 PM
📍 South Shore Event Center, Howard Lake

An open forum conversation with voters across the district.

Additional town halls are already planned for Ramsey on June 2 and St. Cloud on June 30, with more to come.
More details at: https://chapinforcongress.com/events

Government works best when people understand how it works and feel empowered to participate in it.

These town halls are designed to be approachable, informative, and interactive. No insider knowledge required. Just curiosity, questions, and a shared interest in building a stronger community together.

Because meaningful change starts with people showing up.

And this campaign believes the first step toward better leadership is listening.

Around the District

This campaign continues to grow because people across MN-06 are stepping up and getting involved.

Unity Dinner Recap

Last week’s Unity Dinner brought together organizers, candidates, and community leaders from across the district to celebrate the work already underway heading into 2026.

The evening was both a celebration and a reminder that building something better takes real organizing, real conversations, and real work in communities across Minnesota.

More Door Knocks Coming Soon

The campaign continues working closely with Senate District organizations to schedule additional door knocking events across MN-06.

Watch for updates and volunteer opportunities at:
More Details at: https://chapinforcongress.com/events

Local Candidate Spotlights

Strong campaigns are built together. Across MN-06, local DFL candidates and organizers are building momentum in communities throughout the district.

SD36 Annual Chili Cookoff and Dessert Auction

📅 Saturday, May 16
🕓 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM

An evening of community, organizing, chili, and desserts featuring DFL Chair Richard Carlbom, local elected officials, and endorsed candidates.

This event is focused on bringing people together, building momentum, and supporting organizing efforts across SD36.
Sign up: https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/950412/

Saint Cloud Weekend of Action

📅 Saturday, May 16
🕙 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM
📍 Saint Cloud DFL Office

Join organizers and endorsed candidates Aric Putnam, Abdi Daisane, and Zach Dorholt for a district-wide canvassing effort focused on building momentum heading into 2026.
Learn more: https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/945175/

Carver County Weekend of Action in Waconia

📅 Sunday, May 17
🕑 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM
📍 Bayview Elementary School, Waconia

Support endorsed SD48 candidates Joe Brothers, Lucy Rehm, and Dan Kessler as organizers connect directly with voters across Carver County.
Join us: https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/940172/

Leashes Off, Conversations On: Becker

📅 Thursday, May 21
🕡 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM
📍 Becker Dog Park

Join SD27A candidate Vanessa Davenport and local organizers for a relaxed evening of conversation and community building.

No speeches. No formal agenda. Just neighbors talking with neighbors.
More details at: https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/950677/

Sunday Dinner with Dan

📅 Sunday, May 17
🕕 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM

Join SD48 candidate Dan Kessler for a small-group dinner conversation focused on community, policy, and the stakes of the 2026 election cycle.
Get additional info at: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/daniel-kessler-1

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Get Involved

If you want to be part of this campaign, join us now!

Learn more: https://chapinforcongress.com
Volunteer: https://chapinforcongress.com/volunteer
Events: https://chapinforcongress.com/events
Donate: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/ChapinFlipThe6th

Closing

This campaign is built on conversations. Listening to people. Showing up in communities. Talking honestly about the challenges families are facing.

And proving that the Sixth District is ready for better.

173 Days until Election Day!

- Doug #FlipThe6th #LFG

Leave a comment

Tonight, at the CD6 Unity Dinner in Ramsey, our campaign officially rolls out a new theme:

Ready for Better.

And after months of conversations across the district, it feels like the right message at the right time.

Because everywhere we go, we hear the same thing from voters:

People are tired of political theatrics.
Tired of being talked down to.
Tired of leaders who seem more interested in their own egos than solving problems.

They are ready for leadership that listens.
Ready for leadership focused on affordability, stability, and community.
Ready for practical solutions instead of partisan noise.

In short, they are ready for better.

What We’re Hearing Across the District

At the doors, at events, and in conversations across MN-06, voters keep coming back to the same concerns:

The rising cost of living.
Economic uncertainty.
Public safety.
The feeling that politics has become more focused on scoring points than solving problems.

And increasingly, people are frustrated by leaders who dismiss those concerns instead of listening to them.

That frustration stood out this week after Tom Emmer commented at the Republican CD6 convention:

“Everybody is talking about affordability. That’s the biggest BS word I’ve ever seen.”

But affordability is not a talking point to families across this district.

It is your grocery bill
It is your rent and mortgage payments.
It is your childcare costs.
It is gas prices.
It is whether Minnesota families feel like they can get ahead again.

People are looking for leaders who understand that reality and are willing to focus on it every day.

A Community Conversation on Gun Violence

Gun violence is complicated. But it is not unsolvable.

Doug and local organizers in SD48 are hosting a community conversation in Chaska on May 18 focused on public safety, constitutional rights, and finding meaningful ways to reduce gun violence.

As Doug shared this week:

• The Second Amendment is an important constitutional guarantee

• Minnesota has a long tradition of responsible gun ownership

• Technology has evolved to create increasingly lethal weapons

• Gun violence is now the leading cause of death for children in America

Doug believes all of those things can be true at the same time.

And he believes we should be able to talk honestly about how to protect communities while respecting the rights of responsible gun owners.

Because the status quo is unacceptable, and doing nothing is not a serious answer.

Event Details at https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/948932/

Around the District

This campaign continues to grow because people across MN-06 are stepping up and getting involved.

CD6 Unity Dinner

📅 Thursday, May 7

🕔 5:00 PM – Social Hour
🕕 6:00 PM – Dinner
🕡 6:30 PM – Program & Awards

Come together with fellow DFLers as we celebrate our community, honor our history, and build momentum for the future.

This year’s Unity Dinner is more than just a meal. It is an opportunity to recognize the people and organizations helping move our communities forward and prepare for the work ahead in 2026.

Doug will serve as the featured speaker as the campaign officially rolls out its new theme:

Ready for Better.

The evening will also include a memorial honoring members of the community lost over the past year, along with recognition of local leaders through the:

• Community Champion Award

• Labor Partner Award

• Party Officer Award

• New Voices Award

Baseball Day in Delano

📅 Saturday, May 9
📍 Delano

Doug will stop by Baseball Day in Delano to see the defending town ball state champion Tigers take on Mahtomedi!

https://www.prepbaseballreport.com/BaseballDayMN

Howard Lake Town Hall

📅 Tuesday, May 19
🕡 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
📍 South Shore Event Center, Howard Lake

Join Doug for an evening focused on hearing directly from voters across the district.

https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/950928/

More Door Knocks Coming Soon!!

The campaign is continuing to work closely with Senate District organizations to schedule additional door knocking events across MN-06.

Watch for updates and volunteer opportunities at:

http://chapinforcongress.com/events

Local Candidate Spotlights

Strong campaigns are built together. Across MN-06, local DFL candidates and organizers are building momentum in communities throughout the district.

Dinner and Democracy: Big Lake

📅 Thursday, May 7
🕡 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
📍 Vitta’s Mexican Restaurant, Big Lake

Join House District 27A candidate Vanessa Davenport for dinner and community conversation about jobs, affordability, and protecting Minnesota communities.

https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/948695/

Coffee & Conversation with Leah Temple and Joey Smyth

📅 Saturday, May 9
🕗 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM
📍 Dunn Brothers Coffee, St. Michael

Meet SD30 candidate Leah Temple and HD30A candidate Joey Smyth for coffee and conversation about the issues facing the district and ways to get involved.

https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/950284/

Pints With Progressives: St. Francis

📅 Thursday, May 7
🕡 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
📍 Beef O’Brady’s Restaurant, St. Francis

Join House District 27A candidate Charles McConaghay for an informal evening of drinks and conversation about local issues and the future of the district.

https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/938836/

May Days of Action with Abdi Daisane

📍 Central Minnesota DFL Office, St. Cloud

Weekly canvassing events continue throughout May and June in support of House District 14A organizing efforts.

https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/944136/

Picnic at Prairie Park with SD30 DFL

📅 Saturday, May 9
🕦 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM
📍 Otsego Prairie Park & Splash Pad

Join local organizers, neighbors, and endorsed SD30 candidates for a casual community picnic and conversation about building momentum for 2026.

https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/937635/

Stay Connected

If you found this helpful, make sure you are subscribed so you do not miss next week’s update.

And if you know someone who should be following this race, forward this to them.

Share

Get Involved

If you want to be part of this campaign, now is the time.

Learn more: http://chapinforcongress.com
Volunteer: http://chapinforcongress.com/volunteer
Events: http://chapinforcongress.com/events
Donate: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/ChapinFlipThe6th

Closing

This campaign is built on honest conversations.

Listening to hard working people. Showing up in our communities. Talking honestly about the challenges families are facing every day.

And building something better together.

180 days until Election Day. Let’s make every one count.

- Doug #FlipThe6th #LFG

A Big Win for This Campaign

We did it.

Our campaign is now the DFL-endorsed candidacy in Minnesota’s 6th Congressional District.

We’re honored, humbled, and really excited to take this campaign to voters across the district and make the case for new leadership in Congress.

As Paul Wellstone said, we all do better when we all do better.

And what we are hearing from voters is clear.

They are ready for better.

What We Heard at the Doors

We kicked off our first day of door knocking this week in St. Cloud.

And you probably won’t be surprised by what we didn’t hear.

We didn’t hear about cryptocurrency.
We didn’t hear about the Dow.
And we sure as hell didn’t hear about the need for a White House ballroom.

What we did hear was this:

Concern about rising prices.
Nervousness about the job market.
Frustration that people are working hard and still barely getting by.

That is what people are dealing with every day, and it’s not what they are hearing from Washington.

What Voters Are Telling Us

The conversations we’re having at the doors aren’t complicated.

People aren’t talking about headlines or political fights in Washington.

They’re talking about their lives.

They’re talking about the cost of groceries.
They’re talking about job security.
They’re talking about whether things are getting harder, not easier.

And the message is consistent.

People feel like they’re working harder than ever and still falling behind.

They want leadership that is focused on their reality, not on distractions.

They want solutions that actually make life more affordable.

And they want to know that someone in Washington is paying attention.

Right now, they do not feel that.

That is the opportunity in this race.

Which brings us to a bigger issue.

The Town Hall Debate is Missing the Point

A potentially unpopular opinion with Election Day now just months away:

It’s time to stop asking Tom Emmer to hold a town hall.

I understand the frustration. I felt it earlier in this campaign.

But at this point, we shouldn’t let him off that easily.

A town hall will not fix what is broken.

It won’t undo the decisions that have left families struggling with rising costs.
It won’t change the priorities that have put politics ahead of people.

The issue isn’t that Tom Emmer doesn’t hold town halls.

The issue is that he isn’t listening at all.

Instead of asking him to do the right thing, it’s time to make him wish that he had.

And the way we do that is by coming together and winning in November.

If you do want to attend a town hall, we will be restarting them across the district in May. Stay tuned for more details!

Around the District

After the convention, this campaign isn’t slowing down. It’s hitting the ground.

Across MN-06, Democrats are organizing in every corner of the district. Doug will be out knocking doors across multiple communities, meeting voters face to face, and listening to what matters most.

Some event locations are shared after RSVP for participant safety. Be sure to sign up for full details.

Pints With Progressives: Otsego

📅 Thursday, April 30
🕔 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
📍Pour Wine Bar and Bistro, Otsego

Join Democrats from across SD30, including Elk River, St. Michael, Albertville, Otsego, and Hanover, for an informal happy hour meet and greet.

This is a great opportunity to:
- meet others in your community
- learn about organizing efforts across the district
- find out how you can get involved in building momentum for 2026

Whether you’re new to organizing or already involved, this is an easy way to plug in and be part of what is being built across MN-06.

Door Knocks with Doug Across MN-06

Blaine (SD32)
📅 Thursday, April 30
🕔 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Elk River (SD30)
📅 Saturday, May 2
🕔 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
📍 Lion John Weicht Park (Shelter 2)
Community picnic hosted by SD30 DFL begins at 11:00 AM.

Waconia (SD48)
📅 Sunday, May 3
🕔 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM

Delano (SD29)
📅 Monday, May 4
🕔 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM

At each of these events, there are multiple ways to participate, whether you’re new or experienced. Training and support are provided.

Learn more and sign up at: https://www.chapinforcongress.com/events

State and Local Events Across the District

Our campaign is not happening in isolation.

Across MN-06, state legislative candidates and local DFL organizations are organizing every week. Here are a few ways to get involved and support candidates across the district.

SD32 Door Knock (Blaine)
📅 Tuesdays
🕔 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
📍 Pioneer Park, Blaine
https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/944245/

Join volunteers in reaching out to voters across Blaine and building early momentum for endorsed state legislative candidates. Training is provided and all experience levels are welcome.

SD36 Door Knock (Lino Lakes)
📅 Sundays
🕐 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
📍 Golden Lake Park, Circle Pines
https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/940394/

Help connect with voters in Lino Lakes and support local DFL candidates. New volunteers are paired with experienced canvassers and training is provided.

SD35 Coffee and Conversation (Coon Rapids)
📅 Saturdays
🕘 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
📍 Wyld Wolf Games, Coon Rapids
https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/937810/

A relaxed opportunity to meet neighbors, hear from local leaders, and engage in conversations about issues impacting the district.

These efforts are not just about one race.

They are about building a coordinated, grassroots movement across the entire district, one that shows up, listens, and grows stronger every week.

This is what it looks like when a campaign is built from the ground up.

Get Involved

If you want to be part of this campaign, now is the time.

Learn more: http://chapinforcongress.com
Volunteer: http://chapinforcongress.com/volunteer
Events: http://chapinforcongress.com/events
Donate: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/ChapinFlipThe6th

We are ready to take this campaign directly to voters across the district.
And we are ready to build something better, together.

187 days until Election Day. Let’s make every one count.

- Doug #FlipThe6th #LFG

Stay Connected

If you found this helpful, make sure you are subscribed so you do not miss next week’s update.

And if you know someone who should be following this race, forward this to them.

Share

This Is Where We’re At Folks

The war in Iran continues, on and off, uncertain, and with real consequences.

Gas prices keep rising. Fertilizer costs are climbing.

And here in Minnesota, some farmers are making the difficult decision to skip planting this year because the math just does not work.

That is not abstract.

That is livelihoods.
That is families.
That is the future of communities across this district.

And at the exact same time, in Washington, something else is happening.

What Our Representative Is Focused On

Tom Emmer is the House Majority Whip, one of the most powerful positions in Congress.

If lowering costs or supporting MN families were the priority, he would be leading that effort.

Instead, this week, Emmer spent time at GOP leadership briefings attacking a colleague’s financial disclosures and then took to social media to recycle the same tired MAGA anti-immigrant, bigotry-laden talking points.

That is the focus.

Arguments about the state flag.
Political sideshows.
Name calling.

While farmers are deciding whether they can plant.
While families are trying to afford groceries.
While costs keep rising.

That is the disconnect. And people are pissed.

From Doug

What I am looking forward to most right now is getting out and talking with voters about the things that actually matter.

And more importantly, listening.

Because what I am hearing is pretty consistent.

People want someone who is focused on their lives, not distractions, not headlines, not political theater.

They want to talk about costs. About stability. About what the future looks like for their families.

And they want to be heard.

I think people are ready for that kind of change.

And I am excited to keep having those conversations in the weeks ahead.

The Countdown to Endorsement - MN06 Convention

We are heading into the final stretch.

The endorsement process that began back on Caucus Night is about to reach its conclusion, and the excitement is real.

You can feel the energy building across the district.

This campaign has been built the right way.

Showing up. Listening. Building relationships.

Now we take the next step!

Next Week We Hit the Doors!

The day after the CD6 Convention, we’re set to launch a district-wide door knocking effort.

This is where it gets real.

Not ads. Not talking points.

Conversations.

At the doorstep. Across communities. Listening and building trust one interaction at a time.

If you want to be part of it, you can sign up here: https://mobilize.us/chapinforcongress

On the Trail

Saturday, April 25
CD6 Convention
📍 Discovery Elementary School, Buffalo
🕙 10:00 AM

This marks the culmination of months of organizing and a major moment for our campaign!

Looking Ahead

We are excited to restart town halls in May, beginning with an event in Ramsey on May 19.

These will be focused on exactly what this campaign is about.

Real conversations. Real issues. Real listening.

More details coming soon.

Get Involved

This campaign is growing because people are stepping up.

Showing up. Talking to neighbors. Being part of something bigger.

If that matters to you, there is a place for you here.

Email volunteers@chapinforcongress.com

Closing

We deserve better. You deserve better.

I am looking forward to talking with voters about what matters and listening to what you think.

I think you will notice the difference.

194 days, 28 weeks, until Election Day.
Let’s make every one count!

- Doug #FlipThe6th #LFG

Stay Connected

Be sure to check out our website Chapin for Congress for more information about the campaign and ways you can support Doug!

Want to volunteer? Check out our volunteer page at Chapin for Congress to sign up for additional volunteer opportunities.

A Quick Update

We’ve moved The Rig Roundup to Substack so we can share more consistent updates directly with you.

If this was forwarded to you, or if you’re not already subscribed, make sure to sign up here so you don’t miss future updates:

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The Disconnect

Gas prices are rising. Groceries cost more. Everyday essentials are getting harder to afford.

Families across MN-06 are feeling it every single day.

And the people in charge? They’re not focused on lowering costs, they’re focused on politics.

Not solutions. Not relief. Not making life more affordable.

Just more noise. That’s the disconnect.

And it’s exactly why this campaign is gaining momentum.

From Doug

This week has been a powerful reminder of why this campaign matters, and who it’s for.

I’ve had the chance to spend time with people across the district, from grassroots organizers in Ramsey, to community leaders in St. Cloud, to young voters trying to build a future in an economy that too often feels stacked against them.

And I keep coming back to the same thing:

People aren’t asking for miracles. They’re asking for a fair shot.

Young people are looking at rising costs, housing that feels out of reach, and jobs that don’t always match the effort they put in - and wondering what comes next.

Farming families are dealing with rising fuel costs, unstable markets, and the same pressure on everyday expenses that we’re all feeling.

But what gives me hope is this: people aren’t backing down. They’re organizing. They’re showing up. They’re building something together.

That’s the energy behind this campaign. It’s what’s going to carry us forward.

This Week’s Momentum

Our campaign continues to build support across the district and across the coalition.

This week, we were proud to earn endorsements from:

• DFL Rural Caucus

• Courage for Democracy

• Minnesota Young DFL

They join a growing coalition that includes:

• DFL Veterans and Family Caucus

• DFL Feminist Caucus

• 50501 Minnesota

Each of these endorsements represents something bigger than a name.

Support from the Rural Caucus reflects our commitment to farming families and rural communities; people who are being squeezed by rising costs, unstable markets, and policies that aren’t working for them.

Support from Minnesota Young DFL speaks to a generation that is working hard but struggling to get ahead; facing rising housing costs, expensive healthcare, and an economy that too often feels out of reach.

And being named a Courage Candidate highlights something fundamental about this campaign: a belief that government should work for people, not just the wealthy or well-connected.

This is what momentum looks like.

A campaign that is connecting across communities, across generations, and across the district.

The challenges we’re facing are shared, and the solutions need to be as well.

This campaign is bringing people together who don’t always show up in the same room, but who are all feeling the same pressure.

What This Means

Momentum isn’t just about endorsements, it’s about trust.

It’s about people recognizing that our campaign is focused on the issues that actually impact their daily lives.

Affordability. Stability. Accountability.

And it’s about building something strong enough to win - not just an election, but a direction for the district.

What’s Next: We Hit the Doors

After the CD6 Convention, we’re launching a massive district-wide door knocking effort. This is how campaigns are won.

One conversation at a time. One door at a time. One voter at a time.

If you want to be part of it, you can sign up here:
https://mobilize.us/chapinforcongress

On the Trail

There’s a lot happening across the district this weekend:

Saturday, April 18
Carver County Meet & Greet
📍 Baylor Park – Norwood Young America
🕙 10:00 AM
https://www.mobilize.us/chapinforcongress/event/931139/

Saturday, April 18
Tea with the East African Community
📍 DFL St. Cloud
🕒 3:00 PM

Sunday, April 19
Pups with Progressives
📍 Otsego Dog Park
🕟 4:30 PM
https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/938735

Saturday, April 25
CD6 Convention
📍 Discovery Elementary School – Buffalo
🕙 10:00 AM

This convention marks the culmination of a process that began back on Caucus Night in February, and an important moment for our campaign.

Supporting the Bigger Picture

There’s a lot of attention on federal fundraising, and for good reason. But just as important is the work happening at the local level.

State and local DFL units are building the field operations that power the entire ticket. And the impact of grassroots donations goes even further there.

In many cases, your first $75 (or $150 for couples) can even be refunded through Minnesota’s Political Contribution Refund program.

In the coming weeks, we’ll be highlighting ways you can support these local efforts - because building a blue wave in 2026 starts from the ground up.

Get Involved

There’s never been a more important time to get engaged.

Knock doors. Show up to events. Talk to your neighbors.

This campaign is growing because people are stepping up, and there’s a place for you in it.

“I hope to earn your vote on November 3. But more importantly, I want to earn your trust that this campaign is fighting for you every single day.

202 days until Election Day. Let’s make every one count.”

—Doug
#FlipThe6th #LFG

Stay Connected

Be sure to check out our website Chapin for Congress for more information about the campaign and ways you can support Doug!

Want to volunteer? Check out our volunteer page at Chapin for Congress to sign up for additional volunteer opportunities!

We’re moving The Rig Roundup to Substack so we can share more consistent updates directly with you.

If this was forwarded to you, or if you’re not already subscribed, make sure to sign up here so you don’t miss future updates!

Subscribe now

The past few days have been a reminder of just how quickly things can escalate, and how fragile stability can be.

Even with talk of a temporary ceasefire, the reality is this: moments like this demand serious leadership.

And yet, Congress is in recess.

At a time when the stakes couldn’t be higher, when uncertainty is growing at home and abroad, we need leaders who are present, engaged, and ready to act.

That’s not what we’re seeing.

And it’s exactly why this race matters.

From Doug

“This week had its share of heavy moments, but what stuck with me most was something else.

I spent time in Chanhassen with a group of engaged, thoughtful, and deeply committed community members, and it was a powerful reminder of what this campaign is really about.

Even on difficult days, the energy and dedication I see across MN-06 keeps me grounded, and keeps me going.”

What I’m Hearing Across the District

People are paying attention.

They’re worried about what’s happening nationally, but they’re not checking out. They’re leaning in.

Across the district, I’m hearing a consistent theme:

People want stability.
People want accountability.
People want leaders who actually show up, not just when it’s easy, but when it matters most.

Help us spread the word about our campaign!

Share

On the Trail

If you’re looking for a way to get involved, I’d love to see you at one of these upcoming events:

📅 Monday, April 13
Chicks In Charge: Let’s Do Some Good
A night of mutual aid, meeting candidates, and music!
Presented by The Politics Chicks
🕙 Doors open 5:00 PM, Show 6:00 PM
📍 The Hook and Ladder Event Center. - more details and RSVP here

📅 Saturday, April 18
Candidate Meet & Greet - Carver County
Join us to meet the CD6 candidates and connect with neighbors!
🕙 10:00 AM-12:00 PM
📍 Norwood Young America - RSVP for address and additional details here

📅 Saturday, April 25
CD6 Convention - Buffalo
We’re looking for volunteers to help staff the Chapin for Congress table throughout the day!

🕙 Tentative Schedule:
8:30 AM – Volunteer arrival & set-up
9:00 AM – Registration
10:00 AM – Convention begins

📍 Discovery Elementary School, Buffalo - If you’re interested in helping out you can RSVP here

Get Election Ready

There’s something simple, but incredibly important, you can do right now: make sure you’re ready to vote!

1. Check your voter registration
https://mnvotes.sos.mn.gov/voterstatuscheck/index

2. Update your registration if needed
https://mnvotes.sos.mn.gov/VoterRegistration/index

If you’ve moved, your registration doesn’t follow you. And even if you haven’t, it never hurts to double-check.

You can also use these tools to:

• Find your polling place

• Explore early and mail voting options

• Review a sample ballot once contests are finalized

The goal is simple: show up informed, feel confident, and be ready!

Don’t let confusion or misinformation win.
Elbows up. Be #ElectionReady.

And make sure your family, friends, and neighbors are too.

I hope to earn your vote on November 3rd, more importantly, I want to make sure you’re able to use it.

—Doug

208 days until Election Day.
Let’s make every one count.
#FlipThe6th #LFG

Be sure to check out our website Chapin for Congress for more information about the campaign and ways you can support Doug!

Want to volunteer? Reach out at volunteers@chapinforcongress.com to sign up for additional volunteer opportunities!

Is there something you can do about it? Absolutely.

I’m a self-described “election geek” who’s spent almost 40 years as a lawyer, educator and election reform. Here’s my take …

There will be an election. The United States voted during the Civil War in 1864 and democracy has persevered through numerous crises, including natural disasters and pandemics, throughout the nation’s history.

But here’s the risk we should be worried about.

The White House is already doing everything it can to make it harder for you to vote against them and easier for them to say they won - all while trying to undermine faith in our elections. Here’s how:

• The Administration has called for “show me your papers” citizenship checks for voters that could disenfranchise tens of millions of people, including married women.

• It has openly declared war on vote-by-mail and encouraged the U.S. Postal Service to change its postmark rules to make postal ballots less reliable.

• It is fighting tooth and nail in the courts (so far, unsuccessfully) to seize state voter rolls and use them to disenfranchise voters it believes are ineligible.

• It is engaging in ICE invasions like the one underway in my state of Minnesota and creating fears that armed federal agents could discourage – or even prevent – people from casting their ballots on or before Election Day. This is a tactic they could very well try to exploit on Election Day 2026.

Basically, the White House has decided that it can’t hold on to power the traditional way – winning at the ballot box – so it’s going to do everything it can to make that difficult.

Worse, when the results are close, they’re going to use the script they’ve perfected over the years: deny, ignore and attempt to overturn the outcome.

But here’s the secret: this strategy doesn’t work if the outcome isn’t close.

If the millions of Americans who voted in 2020 and 2024 - but not in 2022 - return to the polls, we could see election returns that put the outcome beyond doubt or any attempt at denial.

And the margin of victory could be even bigger if tens of millions more who haven’t registered - or are registered but don’t vote - show up this fall.

If you don’t approve of what what’s going on in Washington, your single best act of defiance is voting on or before November 3, 2026.

Bottom line: your vote is what candidates spend billions of dollars every election cycle to get or prevent. As such, it is a weapon more powerful than any obstacle the Administration can put in its way.

Fortunately, it’s never been easier to cast a ballot – thanks to policies I’ve worked with state and local officials to design, enact and implement over the years. These days, voters can:

• go online to register to vote, or check/update their registrations

• get their ballots anywhere in the world they live/serve in time to return them

• use mobile devices to find their polling place and see who’s on the ballot and

• cast an early vote, either in-person, using a ballot drop box or by mail.

As an “election geek”, I have fought hard over the years to make our democracy work - and stood firmly against efforts to restrict voting across the nation.

Now that I’m as a candidate for Congress in Minnesota’s Sixth Congressional District, I will intensify that fight; my campaign will do whatever we can – whether or not you live in our district – to make sure you can register to vote and cast a ballot in 2026 and beyond.

We are in the fight of our lives right now – and the President and his allies are going to do everything they can to stop us.

But we can win if every one of us uses the superweapon available to each of us - the ballot - and win a victory beyond all doubt.

Election officials have their own Election Day prayer: “Let the turnout be high and the margins wide.” Let’s answer that prayer this November.