MN-08 Democratic nominee?
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AUG 12, 2026Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Overview
Current rolePhysician
PartyDemocratic
Political ideologyProgressive Democrat
GenderMale
LocationMinnesota
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BackgroundPhysician
Notable personal detailsWendell Robert Smith is an American physician and general surgeon from Virginia, Minnesota who became a candidate for the U.S. House in Minnesota’s 8th Congressional District in the 2026 cycle. He served in the U.S. Air Force and practiced medicine on Minnesota’s Iron Range, including work at Essentia Health and Fairview Range. In April 2026, he was among multiple candidates seeking the DFL endorsement in MN-08.
SourcesShowHide
Positions
Healthcare
Supports a single-payer, universal healthcare system and describes the current healthcare situation as a crisis that requires urgent action. Emphasizes protecting health care access and preventing cuts to Medicare and Medicaid that could threaten rural hospitals.
Climate & Energy
Supports treating climate change as a major threat and making the U.S. a leader in clean energy while pursuing solutions that grow the economy and lower energy costs; also supports mining to protect local union jobs with the stipulation of domestic mining.
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Public Safety & Guns
Wendell Smith says gun violence is a major concern and emphasizes making guns as safe as possible by ensuring they are locked up and kept out of the hands of people who should not have them. He frames the approach around safety measures rather than proposing to remove weapons from responsible owners.
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