Challenger Osberg takes aim, U.S. Rep. Fischbach defends in debate

Erik Osberg charges Congress is not meeting constitutional duties; incumbent Rep. Michelle Fischbach cited accomplishments in debate between the candidates in Minnesota’s Congressional District 7.

FARGO, N.D. — DFL candidate for U.S. House Erik Osberg took frequent aim at what he charged Congress has not done, while Republican incumbent Rep. Michelle Fischbach cited what she touted as its achievements in an hour-long debate broadcast by Prairie Public Television on Thursday evening.

It was the only planned, face-to-face debate between the two candidates for the Congressional District 7 seat, which represents the 38 counties of western Minnesota. Rep. Fischbach, of Regal, upset Democrat Collin Peterson in 2020 for the seat, and won re-elections with big margins against Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party rivals in 2022 and 2024.