Collin Peterson

Collin Peterson

Democratic Party

Prior offices

Minnesota State Senate

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U.S. House Minnesota District 7

Successor: Michelle Fischbach

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Compensation

Net worth

(2012) $1,602,008.50

Elections and appointments

Last election

November 3, 2020

Education

Bachelor's

Moorhead State University

Military

Service / branch

U.S. Army National Guard

Years of service

1963 - 1969

Personal

Religion

Christian: Lutheran

Profession

Accountant

Contact

Campaign website

Campaign Facebook

Campaign Twitter

Campaign YouTube

Personal LinkedIn

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Collin Peterson (Democratic Party) was a member of the U.S. House, representing Minnesota's 7th Congressional District. He assumed office on January 3, 1991. He left office on January 3, 2021.

Peterson (Democratic Party) ran for re-election to the U.S. House to represent Minnesota's 7th Congressional District. He lost in the general election on November 3, 2020.

He defeated seven-term incumbent U.S. Rep. Arlan Stangeland (R) by 7.1 points in the 1990 general election.

Prior to his election to the U.S. House, Peterson served in the Minnesota State Senate from 1977 to 1987.

As of a 2014 analysis of multiple outside rankings, Peterson is a more moderate left of center Democratic Party vote. As a result, he may break with the Democratic Party line more than his fellow members.

Biography

Peterson was born in 1944 in Fargo, North Dakota. He earned his B.A. from Moorhead State University in 1966, also serving in the Minnesota Army National Guard from 1963 to 1969. Prior to his political career, Peterson worked as an accountant.

Career

Below is an abbreviated outline of Peterson's academic, professional, and political career:

• 1991-Present: U.S. Representative from Minnesota's 7th Congressional District
• 1977-1987: Minnesota State Senate
• 1963-1969: Minnesota National Guard

Committee assignments

U.S. House

2019-2020

Peterson was assigned to the following committees:^[Source]

• House Committee on Veterans' Affairs
• Committee on Agriculture, Chair
• Subcommittee on Nutrition, Ex Officio

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2017-2018

At the beginning of the 115th Congress, Peterson was assigned to the following committees:

• Committee on Agriculture

2015-2016

Peterson served on the following committees:

• Agriculture Committee

2013-2014

Peterson served on the following committees:

• Agriculture Committee Ranking Member

2011-2012

Peterson served on the following committees:

• Agriculture Committee Ranking Member

Key votes

See also: Key votes

Ballotpedia monitors legislation that receives a vote and highlights the ones that we consider to be key to understanding where elected officials stand on the issues. To read more about how we identify key votes, click here.

Key votes: 116th Congress, 2019-2021

The 116th United States Congress began on January 9, 2019, and ended on January 3, 2021. At the start of the session, Democrats held the majority in the U.S. House of Representatives (235-200), and Republicans held the majority in the U.S. Senate (53-47). Donald Trump (R) was the president and Mike Pence (R) was the vice president. We identified the key votes below using Congress' top-viewed bills list and through marquee coverage of certain votes on Ballotpedia.

Key votes: 116th Congress, 2019-2021
Vote	Bill and description	Status
Yea	Fairness for High-Skilled Immigrants Act of 2020   The Fairness for High-Skilled Immigrants Act of 2020 (H.R. 1044) was a bill passed by the House of Representatives seeking to increase the cap on employment-based visas, establish certain rules governing such visas, and impose some additional requirements on employers hiring holders of such visas. The bill required a two-thirds majority vote in the House to suspend the rules and pass the bill as amended.	Passed (365-65)
Yea	The Heroes Act   The HEROES Act (H.R. 6800) was a bill approved by the House of Representatives that sought to address the COVID-19 outbreak by providing $1,200 payments to individuals, extending and expanding the moratorium on some evictions and foreclosures, outlining requirements and establishing finding for contact tracing and COVID-19 testing, providing emergency supplemental appropriations to federal agencies for fiscal year 2020, and eliminating cost-sharing for COVID-19 treatments. This bill required a simple majority vote in the House.	Passed (208-199)
Yea	For the People Act of 2019   The For the People Act of 2019 (H.R.1) was a bill approved by the House of Representatives that sought to protect election security, revise rules on campaign funding, introduce new provisions related to ethics, establish independent, nonpartisan redistricting commissions, and establish new rules on the release of tax returns for presidential and vice presidential candidates. This bill required a simple majority vote in the House.	Passed (234-193)
Yea	CARES Act   The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act (H.R. 748) was a bill passed by the 116th Congress and signed into law by President Donald Trump (R) on March 27, 2020, that expanded benefits through the joint federal-state unemployment insurance program during the coronavirus pandemic. The legislation also included $1,200 payments to certain individuals, funding for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, and funds for businesses, hospitals, and state and local governments. This bill required a two-thirds majority vote in the House.	Passed (419-6)
Not Voting	Equality Act   The Equality Act (H.R. 5) was a bill approved by the House Representatives that sought to ban discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity by expanding the definition of establishments that fall under public accomodation and prohibiting the denial of access to a shared facility that is in agreement with an indiviual's gender indenitity. This bill required a simple majority vote in the House.	Passed (236-173)
Nay	Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2019   The Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2019 (H.R. 8) was a bill approved by the House that sought to ban firearm transfers between private parties unless a licensed gun dealer, manufacturer, or importer first takes possession of the firearm to conduct a background check. This bill required a simple majority vote in the House.	Passed (240-190)
Yea	American Dream and Promise Act of 2019   The American Dream and Promise Act of 2019 (H.R.6) was a bill approved by the House Representatives that sought to protect certain immigrants from removal proceedings and provide a path to permanent resident status by establishing streamlined procedures for permanant residency and canceling removal proceedings against certain qualifed individuals. This bill required a simple majority vote in the House.	Passed (237-187)
Yea	National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020   The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (S. 1790) was a bill passed by the 116th Congress and signed into law by President Donald Trump (R) on December 20, 2019, setting policies and appropriations for the Department of Defense. Key features of this bill include appropriations for research/development, procurement, military construction, and operation/maintenence, as well as policies for paid family leave, North Korea nuclear sanctions, limiting the use of criminal history in federal hiring and contracting, military housing privatization, and paid family leave for federal personnel. This bill required a simple majority vote in the House.	Passed (377-48)
Yea	Families First Coronavirus Response Act   The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (H.R. 6201) was a bill passed by the 116th Congress and signed into law by President Donald Trump (R) on March 18, 2020, addressing the COVID-19 pandemic by increasing access to unemployment benefits and food assistance, increasing funding for Medicaid, providing free testing for COVID-19, and requiring employers to provide paid sick time to employees who cannot work due to COVID-19. The bill required a two-thirds majority vote in the House.	Passed (363-40)
Yea	Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act of 2019   The Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act (H.R. 1994) was a bill passed by the House Representatives that sought to change the requirements for employer provided retirement plans, IRAs, and other tax-favored savings accounts by modfying the requirements for things such as loans, lifetime income options, required minimum distributions, the eligibility rules for certain long-term, part-time employees, and nondiscrimination rules. The bill also sought to treat taxable non-tuition fellowship and stipend payments as compensation for the purpose of an IRA, repeal the maximum age for traditional IRA contributions, increase penalties for failing to file tax returns, allow penalty-free withdrawals from retirement plans if a child is born or adopted, and expand the purposes for which qualified tuition programs may be used. This bill required a simple majority vote in the House.	Passed (417-3)
Yea	Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act   The Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act (H.R. 3) was a bill approved by the House Representatives that sought to address the price of healthcare by requiring the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to negotiate prices for certain drugs, requiring drug manufactures to issue rebates for certain drugs covered under Medicare, requiring drug price transparency from drug manufacturers, expanding Medicare coverage, and providing funds for certain public health programs. This bill required a simple majority vote in the House.	Passed (230-192)
Yea	Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020   The Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020 (H.R. 1865) was a bill passed by the 116th Congress and signed into law by President Donald Trump (R) on December 20, 2019, providing appropriations for federal agencies in fiscal year 2020. This bill required a simple majority vote in the House.	Passed (297-120)
Yea	Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act of 2019   The Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act of 2019 (S. 1838) was a bill passed by the 116th Congress and signed into law by President Donald Trump (R) on November 27, 2019, directing several federal departments to assess Hong Kong's unique treatment under U.S. law. Key features of the bill include directing the Department of State to report and certify annually to Congress as to whether Hong Kong is sufficiently autonomous from China to justify its unique treatment, and directing the Department of Commerce to report annually to Congress on China's efforts to use Hong Kong to evade U.S. export controls and sanctions. This bill required a two-thirds majority vote in the House.	Passed (417-1)
Nay	MORE Act of 2020   The MORE Act of 2020 (H.R. 3884) was a bill approved by the House of Representatives that sought to decriminalize marijuana by removing marijuana as a scheduled controlled substance and eliminating criminal penalties for an individual who manufactures, distributes, or possesses marijuana. This bill required a simple majority vote from the House.	Passed (228-164)
Yea	Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2020   The Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2020 (H.R. 6074) was a bill passed by the 116th Congress and signed into law by President Donald Trump on March 6, 2020, providing emergency funding to federal agencies in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. Key features of the bill include funding for vaccine research, small business loans, humanitarian assistance to affected foreign countries, emergency preparedness, and grants for public health agencies and organizations. This bill required a two-thirds majority vote in the House to suspend the rules and pass the bill.	Passed (415-2)
Yea	Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2019   The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2019 (H.J.Res. 31) was a bill passed by the 116th Congress and signed into law by President Donald Trump on February 15, 2019, providing approrations for Fiscal Year 2019. This bill required a simple majority vote in the House.	Passed (300 -128)
Yea	John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act   The John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act (S. 47) was a bill passed by the 116th Congress and signed into law by President Doanld Trump on March 12, 2019. This bill sought to set provisions for federal land management and conservation by doing things such as conducting land exchanges and conveyances, establishing programs to respond to wildfires, and extending and reauthorizing wildlife conservation programs. This bill required a two-thirds majority vote in the House.	Passed (363-62)
Yea	William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (On passage)   The William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (H.R. 6395) was a bill passed by the 116th Congress and vetoed by President Donald Trump on December 23, 2020. Congress voted to override Trump's veto, and the bill became law on January 1, 2021. The bill set Department of Defense policies and appropriations for Fiscal Year 2021. Trump vetoed the bill due to disagreement with provisions related to Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, the renaming of certain military installations, limits on emergency military construction fund usage, and limits on troop withdrawals. This bill required a simple majority vote in the House on passage, and a two-thirds majority vote in the House to override Trump's veto.	Passed (335-78)
Yea	William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (Overcoming veto)   The William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (H.R. 6395) was a bill passed by the 116th Congress and vetoed by President Donald Trump on December 23, 2020. Congress voted to override Trump's veto, and the bill became law on January 1, 2021. The bill set Department of Defense policies and appropriations for Fiscal Year 2021. Trump vetoed the bill due to disagreement with provisions related to Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, the renaming of certain military installations, limits on emergency military construction fund usage, and limits on troop withdrawals. This bill required a simple majority vote in the House on passage, and a two-thirds majority vote in the House to override Trump's veto.	Passed (322-87)
Yea	Government Employee Fair Treatment Act of 2019   The Government Employee Fair Treatment Act of 2019 (S.24) was a bill passed by the 116th Congress and signed into law by President Donald Trump on January 16, 2019, that requires federal employees who were furloughed or compelled to work during a lapse in government funding to be compensated for that time. The bill also required those employees to be compensated as soon as the lapse in funding ends, irregardless of official pay date. This bill required a two-thirds majority vote in the House to suspend the rules and pass the bill.	Passed (411-7)
Nay	Impeaching Donald John Trump, President of the United States, for high crimes and misdemeanors. (Article 1)   The 2020 impeachment of Donald Trump (R) was a resolution before the 116th Congress to set forth two articles of impeachment saying that Trump abused his power and obstructed congress. The first article was related to allegations that Trump requested the Ukrainian government investigate former Vice President Joe Biden (D) and his son, Hunter Biden, in exchange for aid, and the second was related to Trump's response to the impeachment inquiry. The House of Representatives approved both articles of impeachment, and the Senate adjudged that Trump was not guilty of either charge. The articles of impeachment required a simple majority vote in the House.	Guilty (230-197)
Nay	Impeaching Donald John Trump, President of the United States, for high crimes and misdemeanors. (Article 2)   The 2020 impeachment of Donald Trump (R) was a resolution before the 116th Congress to set forth two articles of impeachment saying that Trump abused his power and obstructed congress. The first article was related to allegations that Trump requested the Ukrainian government investigate former Vice President Joe Biden (D) and his son, Hunter Biden, in exchange for aid, and the second was related to Trump's response to the impeachment inquiry. The House of Representatives approved both articles of impeachment, and the Senate adjudged that Trump was not guilty of either charge. The articles of impeachment required a simple majority vote in the House.	Guilty (229-198)

Key votes: Previous sessions of Congress

Key votes (click "show" to expand or "hide" to contract)

Key votes: 115th Congress, 2017-2018 For detailed information about each vote, click here. Votes on domestic policy (click to expand) Voted Yea on: Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018 (Conference report) (HR 2)  Bill Passed (369-47) on December 12, 2018 Proposed providing funding for commodity support, conservation, trade and international food aid, nutrition assistance, farm credit, rural development, research and extension activities, forestry, horticulture, and crop insurance through fiscal year 2023. Voted Nay on: Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018 (HR 2 (second vote))  Bill Passed (213-211) on June 21, 2018 Proposed providing funding for commodity support, conservation, trade and international food aid, nutrition assistance, farm credit, rural development, research and extension activities, forestry, horticulture, and crop insurance. It also proposed modifying the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, previously known as the food stamp program. Voted Nay on: Securing America’s Future Act of 2018 (HR 4760)  Bill Failed (193-231) on June 21, 2018 Proposed funding a border wall, limiting legal immigration, a mandatory worker verification program, allowing DACA recipients to apply for legal status, and preventing separation of families at the border. Voted Yea on: Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018 (HR 2)  Bill Passed (369-47) on December 12, 2018 Reauthorizes through FY2023 and modifies some Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs. Voted Yea on: Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act (HR 36)  Bill Passed (237-189) on October 3, 2017 Proposed amending the federal criminal code to make it a crime for any person to perform or attempt to perform an abortion if the probable post-fertilization age of the fetus was 20 weeks or more. The bill provided exceptions for an abortion: (1) that was necessary to save the life of the pregnant woman, or (2) when the pregnancy was the result of rape or incest. Voted Yea on: Kate's Law (HR 3004)  Bill Passed (257-167) on June 29, 2017 Proposed increasing criminal penalties for individuals in the country illegally who were convicted of certain crimes, deported, and then re-entered the U.S. illegally. Voted Yea on: No Sanctuary for Criminals Act (HR 3003)  Bill Passed (228-195) on June 29, 2017 Proposed withholding federal funds from states and localities that chose not to follow federal immigration laws. Voted Nay on: American Health Care Act of 2017 (HR 1628)  Bill passed (217-213) on May 4, 2017 Proposed modifying the budgetary and fiscal provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare. Votes on economic affairs and regulations (click to expand) Voted Yea on: Department of Defense and Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Act, 2019 (Conference report) (HR 6157)  Bill Passed (361-61) on September 26, 2018 Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for the Departments of Defense, Health and Human Services (HHS), Labor, and Education. Voted Yea on: Energy and Water, Legislative Branch, and Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, 2019 (Conference report) (HR 5895)  Bill Passed (377-20) on September 13, 2018 Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for the Department of Energy, water resources, the legislative branch, military construction, and the Department of Veterans Affairs, among other programs. Voted Yea on: Department of Defense and Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Act, 2019 (HR 6157)  Bill Passed (359-49) on June 28, 2018 Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for the Departments of Defense, Health and Human Services (HHS), Labor, and Education. Voted Yea on: Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2019 (HR 5895)  Bill Passed (235-179) on June 8, 2018 Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for the Department of Energy, water resources, the legislative branch, military construction, and the Department of Veterans Affairs, among other programs. Voted Yea on: Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act (S 2155)  Bill Passed (258-159) on May 22, 2018 Proposed exempting some banks from the Dodd–Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act Voted Nay on: Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 1625)  Bill Passed (256-167) on March 22, 2018 Proposed providing appropriations for fiscal year 2018, and for other purposes. Voted Nay on: The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 (HR 1892)  Bill Passed (240-186) on February 9, 2018 Proposed providing appropriations through March 23, 2018. Voted Yea on: Further Extension Of Continuing Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 1892)  Bill Passed (245-182) on February 6, 2018 Proposed providing appropriations through March 23, 2018. Voted Yea on: Making further continuing appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2018, and for other purposes. (HR 195)  Bill Passed (266-150) on January 22, 2018 Proposed providing further continuing appropriations through February 8, 2018. Voted Yea on: Making further continuing appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2018, and for other purposes. (HR 195)  Bill Passed (230-197) on January 18, 2018 Proposed providing further continuing appropriations through February 16, 2018. Voted Nay on: Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 1370)  Bill Passed (231-188) on December 21, 2017 Proposed providing further continuing appropriations through January 19, 2018. Voted Nay on: Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (HR 1)  Bill Passed (227-203) on December 19, 2017 Proposed providing for reconciliation pursuant to titles II and V of the concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2018. Voted Yea on: Making further continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2018, and for other purposes (HJ Res 123)  Bill Passed (235-193) on December 7, 2017 Proposed funding the government until December 22, 2017. Voted Nay on: Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (HR 1)  Bill Passed (227-205) on November 16, 2017 Proposed amending the Internal Revenue Code to reduce tax rates and modify policies, credits, and deductions for individuals and businesses. Voted Nay on: Establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2018 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2019 through 2027. (H Con Res 71)  Bill Passed (216-212) on October 26, 2017 Proposed establishing the congressional budget for the federal government for FY2018 and setting forth budgetary levels for FY2019-FY2027. (This bill proposed adopting the Senate's budget resolution.) Voted Nay on: Establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2018 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2019 through 2027. (H Con Res 71)  Bill Passed (219-206) on October 5, 2017 Proposed establishing the congressional budget for the federal government for FY2018 and setting forth budgetary levels for FY2019-FY2027. Voted Yea on: Make America Secure and Prosperous Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 3354)  Bill Passed (211-198) on September 14, 2017 Proposed providing FY2018 appropriations for the federal government. It combined 12 appropriations bills. Voted Yea on: Disaster Relief Appropriations Act, 2017 (Included amendments to suspend the debt ceiling and fund the government) (HR 601)  Bill Passed (316-90) on September 8, 2017 Proposed suspending the debt ceiling and funding the government until December 8, 2017, and providing funding for Hurricanes Harvey and Irma relief efforts. Voted Yea on: Disaster Relief Appropriations Act, 2017 (HR 601)  Bill Passed (419-3) on September 6, 2017 Proposed providing $7.85 billion for disaster relief requirements, including response and recovery efforts from Hurricane Harvey. Voted Nay on: Financial CHOICE Act of 2017 (HR 10)  Bill passed (233-186) on June 8, 2017 Proposed amending the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, among other acts. Voted Nay on: Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2017 (HR 244)  Bill passed (309-118) on May 3, 2017 Proposed a $1.2 trillion budget to fund the government through the end of the fiscal year on September 30, 2017. Votes on foreign policy and national security issues (click to expand) Voted Yea on: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (HR 5515)  Bill Passed (351-66) on May 24, 2018 Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for Department of Defense (DOD) programs and activities Voted Yea on: Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 695)  Bill Passed (250-166) on January 30, 2018 Proposed providing appropriations for military functions administered by the Department of Defense and for other purposes, for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2018. Voted Yea on: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018—Conference report (HR 2810)  Bill Passed (356-70) on November 14, 2017 Proposed authorizing FY2018 appropriations and setting forth policies for Department of Defense (DOD) programs and activities, including military personnel strengths. Voted Nay on: Make America Secure Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 3219)  Bill Passed (235-192) on July 27, 2017 Proposed making appropriations for defense, military construction, Veterans Affairs, the Legislative Branch, energy and water development, and for other purposes for the fiscal year ending on September 30, 2018. Voted Yea on: Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (HR 3364)  Bill Passed (419-3) on July 25, 2017 Proposed providing congressional review and measures to counter aggression by the governments of Iran, the Russian Federation, and North Korea, and for other purposes. Voted Yea on: Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (HR 3180, second vote)  Bill Passed (380-35) on July 28, 2017 Proposed authorizing appropriations for fiscal year 2018 for intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the United States Government, the Community Management Account, and the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System, and for other purposes. Voted Yea on: Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (HR 3180)  Bill Failed (241-163) on July 24, 2017 Proposed authorizing appropriations for fiscal year 2018 for intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the United States Government, the Community Management Account, and the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System, and for other purposes. Voted Yea on: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (HR 2810)  Bill Passed (344-81) on July 14, 2017 Proposed authorizing fiscal year 2018 appropriations and setting forth policies for Department of Defense (DOD) programs and activities, including military personnel strengths. It did not provide budget authority. Voted Yea on: Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2017 (HR 1301)  Bill passed (371-48) on March 8, 2017 The $577.9 billion fiscal year 2017 defense spending bill proposed $516.1 billion in base budget funding and $61.8 billion for Overseas Contingency Operations/ Global War on Terrorism funding. 114th Congress The first session of the 114th Congress enacted into law six out of the 2,616 introduced bills (0.2 percent). Comparatively, the 113th Congress had 1.3 percent of introduced bills enacted into law in the first session. In the second session, the 114th Congress enacted 133 out of 3,159 introduced bills (4.2 percent). Comparatively, the 113th Congress had 7.0 percent of introduced bills enacted into law in the second session. For more information pertaining to Peterson's voting record in the 114th Congress, please see the below sections. Economic and fiscal Trade Act of 2015 See also: The Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal, 2015 Trade adjustment assistance On June 12, 2015, the House rejected the trade adjustment assistance (TAA) measure in HR 1314—the Trade Act of 2015—by a vote of 126-302. Trade adjustment assistance (TAA) is a federal program providing American workers displaced by foreign trade agreements with job training and services. The measure was packaged with trade promotion authority (TPA), also known as fast-track authority. TPA is a legislative procedure that allows Congress to define "U.S. negotiating objectives and spells out a detailed oversight and consultation process for during trade negotiations. Under TPA, Congress retains the authority to review and decide whether any proposed U.S. trade agreement will be implemented," according to the Office of the United States Trade Representative. Peterson was one of 144 Democrats to vote against the bill. Trade promotion authority On June 12, 2015, the House passed the trade promotion authority (TPA) measure in HR 1314—the Trade Act of 2015 —by a vote of 219-211. TPA gives the president fast-track authority to negotiate trade agreements sent to Congress without the opportunity for amendment or filibuster. Although the House approved TPA, it was a largely symbolic vote given the measure was part of a package trade bill including trade adjustment assistance (TAA), which was rejected earlier the same day. Peterson was one of 157 Democrats to vote against the measure. Trade promotion authority second vote After the trade adjustment assistance (TAA) and trade promotion authority (TPA) did not pass the House together on June 12, 2015, representatives voted to authorize TPA alone as an amendment to HR 2146—the Defending Public Safety Employees' Retirement Act—on June 18, 2015. The amendment passed by a vote of 218-208, with all voting members of the House maintaining his or her original position on TPA except for Ted Yoho (R-Fla.). Peterson was one of 158 Democrats to vote against the amendment. Trade adjustment assistance second vote The House passed HR 1295—the Trade Preferences Extension Act of 2015—on June 25, 2015, by a vote of 286-138. The Senate packaged trade adjustment assistance (TAA) in this bill after the House rejected the TAA measure in HR 1314—the Trade Act of 2015. Along with trade promotion authority (TPA), which Congress passed as part of HR 2146—the Defending Public Safety Employees' Retirement Act—TAA became law on June 29, 2015. Peterson was one of 175 Democrats to vote in favor of HR 1295. Defense spending authorization On May 15, 2015, the House passed HR 1735—the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016—by a vote of 269-151. The bill "authorizes FY2016 appropriations and sets forth policies for Department of Defense (DOD) programs and activities, including military personnel strengths. It does not provide budget authority, which is provided in subsequent appropriations legislation." Peterson voted with 40 Democrats and 228 Republicans to approve the bill. The Senate passed the bill on June 18, 2015, by a vote of 71-25. President Barack Obama vetoed the bill on October 22, 2015. On November 5, 2015, the House passed S 1356—the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016—by a vote of 370-58. The second version of the $607 billion national defense bill included $5 billion in cuts to match what was approved in the budget and language preventing the closure of the Guantanamo Bay military prison. Peterson voted with 134 other Democrats and 235 Republicans to approve the bill. On November 10, 2015, the Senate passed the bill by a vote of 91-3, and President Barack Obama signed it into law on November 25, 2015. 2016 Budget proposal On April 30, 2015, the House voted to approve SConRes11, a congressional budget proposal for fiscal year 2016, by a vote of 226-197. The non-binding resolution was designed to create 12 appropriations bills to fund the government. All 183 Democrats who voted, including Peterson, voted against the resolution. 2015 budget On October 28, 2015, the House passed HR 1314—the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015—by a vote of 266-167. The bill increased military and domestic spending levels and suspended the debt ceiling until March 2017. Peterson voted with 186 Democrats and 79 Republicans in favor of the bill. It passed the Senate on October 30, 2015. President Barack Obama signed it into law on November 2, 2015. Foreign Affairs Iran nuclear deal See also: Iran nuclear agreement, 2015 On May 14, 2015, the House approved HR 1191—the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015—by a vote of 400-25. The bill required President Barack Obama to submit the details of the nuclear deal with Iran for congressional review. Congress had 60 days to review the deal and vote to approve, disapprove, or take no action on the deal. During the review period, sanctions on Iran could not be lifted. Peterson voted with 176 Democrats to approve the bill. Approval of Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action On September 11, 2015, the House rejected HR 3461—To approve the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, signed at Vienna on July 14, 2015, relating to the nuclear program of Iran—by a vote of 162-269. The legislation proposed approving the nuclear agreement with Iran. Peterson voted with 24 Democrats and 244 Republicans against the bill. Suspension of Iran sanctions relief On September 11, 2015, the House approved HR 3460—To suspend until January 21, 2017, the authority of the President to waive, suspend, reduce, provide relief from, or otherwise limit the application of sanctions pursuant to an agreement related to the nuclear program of Iran—by a vote of 247-186. HR 3460 prohibited "the President, prior to January 21, 2017, from: limiting the application of specified sanctions on Iran or refraining from applying any such sanctions; or removing a foreign person (including entities) listed in Attachments 3 or 4 to Annex II of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPA) from the list of designated nationals and blocked persons maintained by the Office of Foreign Asset Control of the Department of the Treasury." Peterson voted with 185 Democrats against the bill. Presidential non-compliance of section 2 On September 10, 2015, the House passed H Res 411—Finding that the President has not complied with section 2 of the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015—by a vote of 245-186. Section 2 of the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015 required the president to submit all materials related to the nuclear agreement for congressional review. House Republicans introduced the resolution because two agreements between the International Atomic Energy Agency and Iran were not submitted to Congress. Peterson voted with 185 Democrats against the resolution. Export-Import Bank On October 27, 2015, the House passed HR 597—the Export-Import Bank Reform and Reauthorization Act of 2015—by a vote of 313-118. The bill proposed reauthorizing the Export-Import Bank and allowing it to resume offering assistance in the form of loans and insurance to foreign companies that wanted to buy U.S. goods. Peterson voted with 185 Democrats and 127 Republicans in favor of the bill. Domestic USA FREEDOM Act of 2015 On May 13, 2015, the House passed HR 2048—the Uniting and Strengthening America by Fulfilling Rights and Ensuring Effective Discipline Over Monitoring Act of 2015 or the USA FREEDOM Act of 2015—by a vote of 338-88. The legislation revised HR 3199—the USA PATRIOT Improvement and Reauthorization Act of 2005—by ending the bulk collection of metadata under Sec. 215 of the act, requiring increased reporting from the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court, and requiring the use of "a specific selection term as the basis for national security letters that request information from wire or electronic communication service providers, financial institutions, or consumer reporting agencies." Peterson voted with 141 Democrats and 196 Republicans to approve the legislation. It became law on June 2, 2015. Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act On May 13, 2015, the House passed HR 36—the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act—by a vote of 242-184. The bill proposed prohibiting abortions from being performed after a fetus was determined to be 20 weeks or older. The bill proposed exceptions in cases of rape, incest, or to save the life of the mother. Peterson was one of four Democrats who voted with 238 Republicans in favor of the bill. Cyber security On April 23, 2015, the House passed HR 1731—the National Cybersecurity Protection Advancement Act of 2015—by a vote of 355-63. The bill proposed creating an information sharing program that would allow federal agencies and private entities to share information about cyber threats. It also proposed including liability protections for companies. Peterson voted with 134 Democrats and 220 Republicans to approve the bill. On April 22, 2015, the House passed HR 1560—the Protecting Cyber Networks Act—by a vote of 307-116. The bill proposed procedures that would allow federal agencies and private entities to share information about cyber threats. Peterson voted with 104 Democrats and 202 Republicans in favor of the bill. Immigration On November 19, 2015, the House passed HR 4038—the American SAFE Act of 2015—by a vote of 289-137. The bill proposed instituting additional screening processes for refugees from Iraq and Syria who applied for admission to the U.S. Peterson voted with 46 Democrats and 242 Republicans in favor of the bill. 113th Congress The second session of the 113th Congress enacted into law 224 out of the 3215 introduced bills (7 percent). Comparatively, the 112th Congress had 4.2 percent of introduced bills enacted into law in the second session. For more information pertaining to Peterson's voting record in the 113th Congress, please see the below sections. National security HR 644 See also: Bowe Bergdahl exchange On September 9, 2014, the Republican-run House approved H.R. 644, a resolution condemning President Barack Obama's act of exchanging five Guantanamo Bay prisoners for Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl. The House voted 249-163 for resolution, with all Republicans and 22 Democrats supporting the bill. Fourteen Democrats and five Republicans did not vote on the resolution, while all other Democrats opposed its passage. Peterson dissented from the majority of the Democratic party and voted in favor of the bill. NDAA Peterson voted in support of HR 1960 - the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014. The bill passed the House on June 14, 2013, with a vote of 315 - 108. Both parties were somewhat divided on the vote. DHS Appropriations Peterson voted in opposition of HR 2217 - the DHS Appropriations Act of 2014. The bill passed the House on June 6, 2013, with a vote of 245 - 182 and was largely along party lines. Keystone Pipeline Amendment Peterson voted in opposition of House Amendment 69, which would have amended HR 3 to "require that the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, in consultation with the Department of Homeland Security, conduct a study of the vulnerabilities of the Keystone XL pipeline to a terrorist attack and certify that necessary protections have been put in place." The amendment failed on May 22, 2013, with a vote of 176 - 239 and was largely along party lines. CISPA (2013) Peterson supported HR 624 - the CISPA (2013). The bill passed the House on April 18, 2013, with a vote of 288 - 127. The bill permitted federal intelligence agencies to share cybersecurity intelligence and information with private entities and utilities. The bill was largely supported by Republicans, but divided the Democratic Party. Economy 2013 Farm Bill See also: United States Farm Bill 2013 The comprehensive farm bill failed in the House due largely in part to the votes of 8 Democratic House members who joined the Republican majority to vote down the measure. Reps. Peterson, John Barrow, Sanford Bishop, Cheri Bustos, Sean Maloney, Mike McIntyre, Bill Owens, and Tim Walz were the 8 Democratic members who voted to reject the bill. According to analysis by OpenSecrets.org, many of these Democratic members have received significant political contributions from agricultural organizations that benefit from crop insurance subsidies. Five of the eight are on the House Agriculture Committee--Peterson, Bustos, Maloney, McIntyre and Walz-- from which agribusiness firms routinely target committee members with sizable contributions. Peterson recently expressed frustration with House Majority Leader Eric Cantor while at Farmfest in Minnesota. Peterson said Cantor is the main roadblock to get a farm bill passed. He added, "I don't get along with that guy and I don't know what to do about him." Government shutdown See also: United States budget debate, 2013 On September 30, 2013, the House passed a final stopgap spending bill before the shutdown went into effect. The bill included a one-year delay of the Affordable Care Act's individual mandate and would have also stripped the bill of federal subsidies for congressional members and staff. It passed through the House with a vote of 228-201. At 1 a.m. on October 1, 2013, one hour after the shutdown officially began, the House voted to move forward with going to a conference. In short order, Sen. Harry Reid rejected the call to conference. Peterson voted against the stopgap spending bill that would have delayed the individual mandate. The shutdown ended on October 16, 2013, when the House took a vote on HR 2775 after it was approved by the Senate. The bill to reopen the government lifted the $16.7 trillion debt limit and funded the government through January 15, 2014. Federal employees also received retroactive pay for the shutdown period. The only concession made by Senate Democrats was to require income verification for Obamacare subsidies. The House passed the legislation shortly after the Senate, by a vote of 285-144, with all 144 votes against the legislation coming from Republican members. Peterson voted for HR 2775. Immigration Immigration Executive Order Peterson opposed an amendment that would prohibit funding for the "Morton Memos," which relax enforcement of immigration laws. Healthcare Obamacare Peterson opposed repealing the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and Healthcare-Related Provisions in the Healthcare and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010. Social issues House vote on abortion ban On June 18, 2013, the House voted 228-196 on HR1797, mostly along party lines, to approve a ban on abortions occurring after 20 weeks of pregnancy. A number of members crossed over party lines in their votes. The vote was largely symbolic, as the Senate was not expected to take up the bill, and the White House threatened to veto the legislation. Peterson was one of six Democratic members who voted in favor of the ban. Previous congressional sessions Fiscal Cliff Peterson voted against the fiscal cliff compromise bill, which made permanent most of the Bush tax cuts originally passed in 2001 and 2003 while also raising tax rates on the highest income levels. He was one of 16 Democrats who voted against the bill. The bill was passed in the House by a 257-167 vote on January 1, 2013.

Issues

American response in Syria

See also: United States involvement in Syria

More than 100 House lawmakers signed a letter urging President Barack Obama to call Congress back into session if he planned to use military force in Syria.

Rep. Scott Rigell wrote in the letter in August 2013, “Engaging our military in Syria when no direct threat to the United States exists and without prior congressional authorization would violate the separation of powers that is clearly delineated in the Constitution.”

The members of Congress believed that Obama should have asked Congress for permission before engaging in Libya. The letter asked, “If the use of 221 Tomahawk cruise missles, [sic] 704 Joint Direct Attack Munitions, and 42 Predator Hellfire missiles expended in Libya does not constitute ‘hostilities,’ what does?”

The letter stated, “If you deem that military action in Syria is necessary, Congress can reconvene at your request. We stand ready to come back into session, consider the facts before us, and share the burden of decisions made regarding U.S. involvement in the quickly escalating Syrian conflict."

A total of 98 Republicans signed the letter. Peterson was one of 18 Democratic members to sign the letter.

Obamacare

Peterson was one of 34 Democrats in the U.S. House to vote against the Affordable Care Act, informally known as "Obamacare," in 2010. Out of these 34 U.S. Representatives, Peterson was one of only four Democratic incumbents who both held their seats and decided to run for re-election in 2014. Although Peterson consistently voted against full repeal of the bill, he sided with Republicans on about half of the healthcare bills voted on since 2011. While he does not support the bill as a whole, he maintains that there are some good aspects, and that a full repeal is not the best option because it "repeals pre-existing conditions, it repeals all the good stuff, kids on their parents’ policies, the Medicare donut hole … by doing that, you’re getting rid of the good stuff." Peterson's challenger in the 2014 general election, Torrey Westrom (R), attacked Peterson for voting against repeal, saying that he "failed the hard working families, farmers and small business owners of rural Minnesota."

Elections

2020

See also: Minnesota's 7th Congressional District election, 2020

Minnesota's 7th Congressional District election, 2020 (August 11 Democratic primary)

Minnesota's 7th Congressional District election, 2020 (August 11 Republican primary)

General election

General election for U.S. House Minnesota District 7

Michelle Fischbach defeated incumbent Collin Peterson, Slater Johnson, and Rae Hart Anderson in the general election for U.S. House Minnesota District 7 on November 3, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Michelle Fischbach (R)	53.4	194,066
		Collin Peterson (D)	39.8	144,840
		Slater Johnson (Legal Marijuana Now Party)	4.9	17,710
		Rae Hart Anderson (Grassroots-Legalize Cannabis Party of Minnesota)	1.8	6,499
		Other/Write-in votes	0.1	362

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 363,477
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. House Minnesota District 7

Incumbent Collin Peterson defeated Alycia Gruenhagen and Stephen Emery in the Democratic primary for U.S. House Minnesota District 7 on August 11, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Collin Peterson	75.6	26,925
		Alycia Gruenhagen	16.7	5,956
		Stephen Emery	7.7	2,734

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 35,615 (100.00% precincts reporting)
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Thaddeus Laugisch (D)

Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House Minnesota District 7

Michelle Fischbach defeated Dave Hughes, Noel Collis, William Louwagie, and Jayesun Sherman in the Republican primary for U.S. House Minnesota District 7 on August 11, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Michelle Fischbach	58.8	26,359
		Dave Hughes	22.2	9,948
		Noel Collis	15.1	6,747
		William Louwagie	2.2	989
		Jayesun Sherman	1.7	757

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	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 44,800 (100.00% precincts reporting)
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Joel Novak (R)

Grassroots-Legalize Cannabis Party of Minnesota primary election

Grassroots-Legalize Cannabis Party of Minnesota primary for U.S. House Minnesota District 7

Rae Hart Anderson defeated Kevin Shores in the Grassroots-Legalize Cannabis Party of Minnesota primary for U.S. House Minnesota District 7 on August 11, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Rae Hart Anderson	67.4	215
		Kevin Shores	32.6	104

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 319 (100.00% precincts reporting)
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Legal Marijuana Now Party primary election

Legal Marijuana Now Party primary for U.S. House Minnesota District 7

Slater Johnson advanced from the Legal Marijuana Now Party primary for U.S. House Minnesota District 7 on August 11, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Slater Johnson	100.0	592

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 592 (100.00% precincts reporting)
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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2018

See also: Minnesota's 7th Congressional District election, 2018

General election

General election for U.S. House Minnesota District 7

Incumbent Collin Peterson defeated Dave Hughes in the general election for U.S. House Minnesota District 7 on November 6, 2018.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Collin Peterson (D)	52.1	146,672
		Dave Hughes (R)	47.8	134,668
		Other/Write-in votes	0.1	169

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 281,509 (100.00% precincts reporting)
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. House Minnesota District 7

Incumbent Collin Peterson advanced from the Democratic primary for U.S. House Minnesota District 7 on August 14, 2018.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Collin Peterson	100.0	39,990

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 39,990
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House Minnesota District 7

Dave Hughes defeated Matt Prosch in the Republican primary for U.S. House Minnesota District 7 on August 14, 2018.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Dave Hughes	72.6	30,783
		Matt Prosch	27.4	11,616

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 42,399
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Tim Miller (R)

2016

See also: Minnesota's 7th Congressional District election, 2016

Heading into the election, Ballotpedia rated this race as safely Democratic. Incumbent Collin Peterson (D) defeated Dave Hughes (R) in the general election on November 8, 2016. Hughes defeated Amanda Lynn Hinson in the Republican primary on August 9, 2016.

U.S. House, Minnesota District 7 General Election, 2016

Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Democratic	Collin Peterson Incumbent	52.5%	173,589
	Republican	Dave Hughes	47.4%	156,952
	N/A	Write-in	0.1%	307
Total Votes				330,848
Source: Minnesota Secretary of State

U.S. House, Minnesota District 7 Republican Primary, 2016

Candidate	Vote %	Votes
Dave Hughes	59%	8,769
Amanda Lynn Hinson	41%	6,104
Total Votes		14,873
Source: Minnesota Secretary of State

2014

See also: Minnesota's 7th Congressional District elections, 2014

Peterson ran in the 2014 election for the U.S. House to represent Minnesota's 7th District. Peterson ran uncontested for the Democratic nomination in the primary on August 12, 2014. He defeated Torrey Westrom (R) in the general election on November 4, 2014.

U.S. House, Minnesota District 7 General Election, 2014

Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Democratic	Collin Peterson Incumbent	54.2%	130,546
	Republican	Torrey Westrom	45.7%	109,955
	N/A	Write-in	0.1%	334
Total Votes				240,835
Source: Minnesota Secretary of State

The National Republican Congressional Committee listed Peterson's seat as one of seven early targets in the 2014 congressional elections. The seven targets aligned perfectly with the seven most Republican districts then held by Democrats, according to FairVote's partisanship index. Peterson's district ranked as the 5th most Republican (45% D).

Peterson was being targeted in a series of ads by the National Republican Congressional Committee calling on Minnesota voters to vote out the Blue Dog Democrat in 2014. The ad alleged Peterson was a career politician and to blame for "the crippling gridlock and dysfunction in Washington," according to NRCC spokeswoman Alleigh Marre. He was also targeted in ads run by the American Future Fund. The ad buy totaled nearly $100,000 and ran in December 2013.

On November 21, 2013, a fundraising breakfast was held to benefit Peterson's 2014 campaign. The breakfast featured House members Nancy Pelosi, George Miller, Sander Levin and Steve Israel, among others.

2012

See also: Minnesota's 7th Congressional District elections, 2012

Peterson won re-election in 2012. He ran unopposed in the Democratic primary, and he defeated Republican Lee Byberg and independent candidate Adam Steele in the November general election.

U.S. House, Minnesota District 7 General Election, 2012

Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Democratic	Collin Peterson Incumbent	60.4%	197,791
	Republican	Lee Byberg	34.8%	114,151
	Independence	Adam Steele	4.7%	15,298
	NA	Write-in	0.1%	336
Total Votes				327,576
Source: Minnesota Secretary of State, "Official Election Results, 2012 General Election" (dead link)

Endorsements

Peterson was endorsed by the organizations below for the 2012 election.

• Education Minnesota
• American Federation of Teachers
• National Education Association
• Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association
• Minnesota Farmers Union PAC
• Minnesota State Building and Construction Trades Council
• National Rifle Association
• Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation Political Action Committee

Full history

To view the full congressional electoral history for Collin Peterson, click [show] to expand the section.

2010 On November 2, 2010, Collin Peterson (D) won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Lee Byberg (R), Gene Waldorf (I) and Glen Menze (Independence) in the general election. U.S. House, Minnesota District 7 General Election, 2010 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Democratic Collin Peterson incumbent 55.2% 133,096      Republican Lee Byberg 37.6% 90,652      Independent Gene Waldorf 3.9% 9,317      Independence Glen Menze 3.3% 7,839      N/A Write-in 0.1% 193 Total Votes 241,097 2008 On November 4, 2008, Collin Peterson (D) won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Glen Menze (R) in the general election. U.S. House, Minnesota District 7 General Election, 2008 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Democratic Collin Peterson incumbent 72.2% 227,187      Republican Glen Menze 27.7% 87,062      N/A Write-in 0.1% 431 Total Votes 314,680 2006 On November 7, 2006, Collin Peterson (D) won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Michael Barrett (R) and Ken Lucier (T) in the general election. U.S. House, Minnesota District 7 General Election, 2006 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Democratic Collin Peterson incumbent 69.7% 179,164      Republican Michael Barrett 29% 74,557      Constitution Ken Lucier 1.3% 3,303      N/A Write-in 0.1% 170 Total Votes 257,194 2004 On November 2, 2004, Collin Peterson (D) won re-election to the United States House. He defeated David Sturrock (R) in the general election. U.S. House, Minnesota District 7 General Election, 2004 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Democratic Collin Peterson incumbent 66.1% 207,628      Republican David Sturrock 33.8% 106,349      N/A Write-in 0.1% 280 Total Votes 314,257 2002 On November 5, 2002, Collin Peterson (D) won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Dan Stevens (R) in the general election. U.S. House, Minnesota District 7 General Election, 2002 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Democratic Collin Peterson incumbent 65.3% 170,234      Republican Dan Stevens 34.6% 90,342      N/A Write-in 0.1% 237 Total Votes 260,813 2000 On November 7, 2000, Collin Peterson (D) won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Glen Menze (R) and Owen Sivertson (I) in the general election. U.S. House, Minnesota District 7 General Election, 2000 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Democratic Collin Peterson incumbent 68.7% 185,771      Republican Glen Menze 29.3% 79,175      Constitution Owen Sivertson 2.1% 5,550 Total Votes 270,496 1998 On November 3, 1998, Collin Peterson won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Aleta Edin (R) in the general election. U.S. House, Minnesota District 7 General Election, 1998 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Democratic Collin Peterson incumbent 71.7% 169,907      Republican Aleta Edin 28.1% 66,562      N/A Write-in 0.2% 473 Total Votes 236,942 1996 On November 5, 1996, Collin Peterson won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Darrell McKigney (R) in the general election. U.S. House, Minnesota District 7 General Election, 1996 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Democratic Collin Peterson incumbent 67.9% 170,936      Republican Darrell McKigney 31.8% 80,132      N/A Write-in 0.2% 531 Total Votes 251,599 1994 On November 8, 1994, Collin Peterson won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Bernie Omann (R) in the general election. U.S. House, Minnesota District 7 General Election, 1994 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Democratic Collin Peterson incumbent 51.2% 108,023      Republican Bernie Omann 48.6% 102,623      N/A Write-in 0.2% 357 Total Votes 211,003 1992 On November 3, 1992, Collin Peterson won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Bernie Omann (R) in the general election. U.S. House, Minnesota District 7 General Election, 1992 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Democratic Collin Peterson incumbent 50.4% 133,886      Republican Bernie Omann 49.1% 130,396      N/A Write-in 0.5% 1,242 Total Votes 265,524 1990 On November 6, 1990, Collin Peterson won election to the United States House. He defeated David Sturrock (R) in the general election. U.S. House, Minnesota District 7 General Election, 1990 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Democratic Collin Peterson 53.5% 107,126      Republican Arlan Stangeland 46.4% 92,876      N/A Write-in 0.1% 184 Total Votes 200,186

Campaign themes

2020

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Collin Peterson did not complete Ballotpedia's 2020 Candidate Connection survey.

Campaign website

Peterson’s campaign website stated the following:

“	Veterans I believe that by asking the men and women who have serviced in our military to put their lives on the line to defend America, we have an obligation to care for them at home. Agriculture I'm proud of my work passing the 2014 Farm Bill. From conservation and addressing flooding along the Red River Valley to supporting local farmers the impacts will be felt throughout the 7th district. Education The 7th District is home to many of Minnesota's highly regarded colleges, universities, and dozens of Minnesota's public K-12 schools. We need to make sure our next generation can afford higher education and it's one of the reasons I've worked secure more funding for Pell Grants and higher school funding. Health Care The ACA is now the law of the land, and with a Democratic-controlled Senate, and President Obama in office, voting to repeal the law makes no sense. I believe we can fix and improve the law without having to get rid of the reforms that make sense. Broadband Affordable and reliable broadband internet service is essential to our rural communities. We know that access to broadband service helps to create jobs and is a boost for economic development, education and business opportunities. Hunting and Fishing As a sportsman, I understand the economic impact hunting and fishing bring to the 7th District. I've worked to make sure we continue investing in conservation programs that protect our wetlands and grasslands in the 2014 Farm Bill, recognized hunters for the their efforts to feed those in need, and support make sure Congress continues to be recognize the contributions of sportsmen and women. Economic Development Before I was elected to office, I was a small business owner in Detroit Lakes. I understand the challenges faced by small business and have worked tirelessly in Congress to promote economic development throughout the 7th Congressional District.	”
—Collin Peterson’s campaign website (2020)

2016

The following issues were listed on Peterson's campaign website. For a full list of campaign themes, click here.

“	Veterans: I believe that by asking the men and women who have serviced in our military to put their lives on the line to defend America, we have an obligation to care for them at home. Education: The 7th District is home to many of Minnesota's highly regarded colleges, universities, and dozens of Minnesota's public K-12 schools. We need to make sure our next generation can afford higher education and it's one of the reasons I've worked secure more funding for Pell Grants and higher school funding. Agriculture: I'm proud of my work passing the 2014 Farm Bill. From conservation and addressing flooding along the Red River Valley to supporting local farmers the impacts will be felt throughout the 7th district. Healthcare: The ACA is now the law of the land, and with a Democratic-controlled Senate, and President Obama in office, voting to repeal the law makes no sense. I believe we can fix and improve the law without having to get rid of the reforms that make sense. Hunting and Fishing: As a sportsman, I understand the economic impact hunting and fishing bring to the 7th District. I've worked to make sure we continue investing in conservation programs that protect our wetlands and grasslands in the 2014 Farm Bill, recognized hunters for the their efforts to feed those in need, and support make sure Congress continues to be recognize the contributions of sportsmen and women.	”
—Collin Peterson's campaign website, http://www.petersonforcongress.com/

2012

The following issues were highlighted on Peterson's campaign website:

• Veterans

Excerpt: "I have worked to secure the biggest increase in veterans’ benefits in our nation’s history. I’ve also worked with communities across the 7th District to build Veterans Homes and Veterans Clinics so that veterans and their families don’t have to drive for hours just to get the health care services they need."

• Agriculture

Excerpt: "As Chairman of the U.S. House Agriculture Committee, I put together a coalition to pass a 2008 Farm Bill that offered a strong safety net for farmers."

• Education

Excerpt: "I’ve worked to expand educational opportunities in Minnesota by working to secure more funding for Pell Grants and land grant colleges, securing funding for nursing programs at Bemidji State University, securing funding for research programs at the University of Minnesota Morris, and securing funding for the Center for Rural Entrepreneurial Studies at the University of Minnesota Crookston."

• Healthcare

Excerpt: "Health care reform is an important goal for our country, and I have always supported reform that will bring down the cost of health care without increasing our country’s growing debt. Now that President Obama has signed the landmark health care reform bill, I will work hard to make sure that the bill is implemented fairly."

• Wall Street Reform

Excerpt: "In the 2010 Congress I was deeply involved in writing the Peterson-Frank Financial Regulatory Reform bill that passed the House. The bill would prevent the kind of excessive speculation on Wall Street that caused the world-wide financial system meltdown at the end of 2008 and led to taxpayer-funded bailouts and the ongoing recession."

• Immigration

Excerpt: "I oppose amnesty for illegal aliens. In Congress, I voted for the “get tough” immigration bill to secure our borders, increase the number of security personnel, and build an extended border fence along our southern border. We need to give law enforcement officials more resources to capture and deport people who are in this country illegally."

Campaign finance summary

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Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.

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Collin Peterson campaign contribution history

Year	Office	Status	Contributions	Expenditures
2020	U.S. House Minnesota District 7	Lost general	$2,734,419	$2,887,984
2018	U.S. House Minnesota District 7	Won general	$1,431,201	$1,502,559
2016	U.S. House, Minnesota District 7	Won	$1,192,730	N/A**
2014	U.S. House (Minnesota, District 7)	Won	$1,585,615	N/A**
2012	U.S. House Minnesota District 7	Won	$1,129,343	N/A**
2010	U.S. House Minnesota District 7	Won	$1,174,500	N/A**
2008	U.S. House Minnesota District 7	Won	$1,218,264	N/A**
2006	U.S. House Minnesota District 7	Won	$938,128	N/A**
2004	U.S. House Minnesota District 7	Won	$422,906	N/A**
2002	U.S. House Minnesota District 7	Won	$417,249	N/A**
2000	U.S. House Minnesota District 7	Won	$337,941	N/A**
** Data on expenditures is not available for this election cycle
Note: Totals above reflect only available data.

Personal Gain Index

See also: Personal Gain Index (U.S. Congress)

The Personal Gain Index (U.S. Congress) is a two-part measurement that illustrates the extent to which members of the U.S. Congress have prospered during their tenure as public servants.
It consists of two different metrics:

• Changes in Net Worth
• The Donation Concentration Metric

PGI: Change in net worth

See also: Changes in Net Worth of U.S. Senators and Representatives (Personal Gain Index) and Net worth of United States Senators and Representatives

Based on congressional financial disclosure forms and calculations made available by OpenSecrets.org, Peterson's net worth as of 2012 was estimated between $544,020 and $2,659,997. That averages to $1,602,008.50, which is lower than the average net worth of Democratic representatives in 2012 of $5,700,168.36. Peterson ranked as the 170th most wealthy representative in 2012. Between 2004 and 2012, Peterson's calculated net worth increased by an average of 78 percent per year. Between 2004 and 2012, the average annual percentage increase for a member of Congress was 15.4 percent.

Collin C. Peterson Yearly Net Worth
Year	Average Net Worth
2004	$221,816
2012	$1,602,008
Growth from 2004 to 2012:	622%
Average annual growth:	78%
Comparatively, the American citizen experienced a median yearly decline in net worth of -0.94%.

The data used to calculate changes in net worth may include changes resulting from assets gained through marriage, inheritance, changes in family estates and/or trusts, changes in family business ownership, and many other variables unrelated to a member's behavior in Congress.

PGI: Donation Concentration Metric

See also: The Donation Concentration Metric (U.S. Congress Personal Gain Index)

Filings required by the Federal Election Commission report on the industries that give to each candidate. Using campaign filings and information calculated by OpenSecrets.org, Ballotpedia calculated the percentage of donations by industry received by each incumbent over the course of his or her career (or 1989 and later, if elected prior to 1988). In the 113th Congress, Peterson is the ranking member of the United States House of Representatives Committee on Agriculture. Peterson received the most donations from individuals and PACs employed by the Crop Production & Basic Processing industry.

From 1989-2014, 33.79 percent of Peterson's career contributions came from the top five industries as listed below.

Collin Peterson Campaign Contributions
Total Raised	$9,113,228
Total Spent	$8,403,239
Ranking member of the United States House of Representatives Committee on Agriculture
Top five industries that contributed to campaign committee
Crop Production & Basic Processing	$1,224,365
Agricultural Services/Products	$761,664
Public Sector Unions	$384,985
Dairy	$372,823
Accountants	$335,673
% total in top industry	13.44%
% total in top two industries	21.79%
% total in top five industries	33.79%

Analysis

Ideology and leadership

See also: GovTrack's Political Spectrum & Legislative Leadership ranking

Based on an analysis of bill sponsorship by GovTrack, Peterson was a centrist Democrat as of July 2014. This was the same rating Peterson received in June 2013.

Like-minded colleagues

The website OpenCongress tracks the voting records of each member to determine with whom he or she votes most and least often. The results include a member from each party.

Peterson most often votes with:

• John Barrow
• David Valadao

Peterson least often votes with:

• Mark Pocan
• Thomas Massie

Lifetime voting record

See also: Lifetime voting records of United States Senators and Representatives

According to the website GovTrack, Peterson missed 293 of 16,115 roll call votes from January 1991 to September 2015. This amounted to 1.8 percent, which was lower than the median of 2.2 percent among representatives as of September 2015.

Congressional Staff Salaries

See also: Staff salaries of United States Senators and Representatives

The website Legistorm compiles staff salary information for members of Congress. Peterson paid his congressional staff a total of $1,084,875 in 2011. Overall, Minnesota ranked 26th in average salary for representative staff. The average U.S. House of Representatives congressional staff was paid $954,912.20 in fiscal year 2011.

National Journal vote ratings

See also: National Journal vote ratings

Each year National Journal publishes an analysis of how liberally or conservatively each member of Congress voted in the previous year. Click the link above for the full ratings of all members of Congress.

2013

Peterson ranked 191st in the liberal rankings in 2013.

2012

Peterson ranked 183rd in the liberal rankings in 2012.

2011

Peterson ranked 183rd in the liberal rankings in 2011.

Voting with party

The website OpenCongress tracks how often members of Congress vote with the majority of the chamber caucus.

2014

Peterson voted with the Democratic Party 74.1 percent of the time, which ranked 193rd among the 204 House Democratic members as of July 2014.

2013

Peterson voted with the Democratic Party 80.4 percent of the time, which ranked 196th among the 201 House Democratic members as of June 2013.

Notable endorsements

See also: Ballotpedia: Our approach to covering endorsements

This section displays endorsements this individual made in elections within Ballotpedia's coverage scope.

Notable candidate endorsements by Collin Peterson

Endorsee	Election	Stage	Outcome
Joe Biden  source  (D, Working Families Party)	President of the United States (2020)	Primary	Won General
Amy Klobuchar  source	President of the United States (2020)		Withdrew in Convention

2016 Democratic National Convention

• Delegate to the 2016 DNC (click to expand)

  See also: Democratic National Convention, 2016

  Collin Peterson
  Democratic National Convention, 2016
  Status:	Superdelegate
  State:	Minnesota
  Supporting:	Bernie Sanders
  Delegates to the DNC 2016
  Calendar and delegate rules overview • Types of delegates • State election law and delegates • Superdelegates by state

  Peterson was a superdelegate to the 2016 Democratic National Convention from Minnesota. Peterson was one of 16 superdelegates from Minnesota. Superdelegates to the 2016 Democratic National Convention were not bound by the results of their state’s primary or caucus results to support a specific presidential candidate. Peterson’s name was included on a list of superdelegates supporting Bernie Sanders released by Sanders' campaign in April 2016. Leading up to the 2016 Democratic National Convention, Sanders had approximately 1,832 pledged delegates and 47 superdelegates for a total of 1,879 delegates. The winner of the Democratic nomination needed the support of 2,383 delegates at the national convention.

  What is a superdelegate?

  See also: Superdelegates and the 2016 Democratic National Convention

  Superdelegates in 2016 were automatic delegates to the Democratic National Convention, meaning that, unlike regular delegates, they were not elected to this position. Also unlike regular delegates, they were not required to pledge their support to any presidential candidate, and they were not bound by the results of their state's presidential primary election or caucus. In 2016, superdelegates included members of the Democratic National Committee, Democratic members of Congress, Democratic governors, and distinguished party leaders, including former presidents and vice presidents. All superdelegates were free to support any presidential candidate of their choosing at the 2016 Democratic National Convention.

  Minnesota caucus results

  See also: Presidential election in Minnesota, 2016

  Bernie Sanders won the 2016 Minnesota Democratic caucuses. With 86 percent of precincts reporting, Sanders won every congressional district. Although polls leading up to the caucuses favored Hillary Clinton, she was unable to secure a win in the state, repeating her loss in 2008 to Barack Obama.

  Minnesota Democratic Caucus, 2016
  Candidate	Vote %	Votes	Delegates
  Hillary Clinton	38.1%	78,317	31
  Bernie Sanders	61.2%	125,635	46
  Martin O'Malley	0.1%	153	0
  Roque De La Fuente	0%	53	0
  Other	0.1%	213	0
  Uncommitted	0.5%	1,067	0
  Totals		205,438	77
  Source: Minnesota Secretary of State and CNN

  Delegate allocation

  See also: 2016 presidential nominations: calendar and delegate rules

  

  Minnesota had 93 delegates at the 2016 Democratic National Convention. Of this total, 77 were pledged delegates. National party rules stipulated how Democratic delegates in all states were allocated. Pledged delegates were allocated to a candidate in proportion to the votes he or she received in a state's primary or caucus. A candidate was eligible to receive a share of the state's pledged delegates if he or she won at least 15 percent of the votes cast in the primary or caucus. There were three types of pledged Democratic delegates: congressional district delegates, at-large delegates, and party leaders and elected officials (PLEOs). Congressional district delegates were allocated proportionally based on the primary or caucus results in a given district. At-large and PLEO delegates were allocated proportionally based on statewide caucus results.

  Sixteen party leaders and elected officials served as unpledged delegates. These delegates were not required to adhere to the results of a state's primary or caucus.

Personal

Note: Please contact us if the personal information below requires an update.
Peterson lives in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota.

Recent news

This section links to a Google news search for the term Collin + Peterson + Minnesota + House

Collin Peterson News Feed

See also

2020 Elections

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Government

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Newsletters

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External links

• Search Google News for this topic
• Colin Peterson Office Site
• Official Campaign Website
• Facebook profile

• Biographies:
  • U.S. Congress
• Political profiles:
  • GovTrack
  • CongressMerge
  • Project Vote Smart
• Financial (federal level):
  • FEC contributions
  • OpenSecrets.org
  • LegiStorm.com
• Interest group ratings:
  • Project Vote Smart
• Issue positions:
  • On The Issues
  • Project Vote Smart
• Public statements:
  • Project Vote Smart
• Voting record:
  • Project Vote Smart
  • Washington Post
• Media appearances:
  • C-SPAN
• Media coverage:
  • Washington Post

Footnotes

Political offices
Preceded by Arlan Strangeland	U.S. House of Representatives - Minneosta District 7 1991–2021	Succeeded by Michelle Fischbach (R)
Preceded by '	Minnesota State Senate 1977-1987	Succeeded by '

[show]

Minnesota's current delegation to the United States Congress

Senators

Amy Klobuchar (D)

Tina Smith (D)

Representatives

District 1

Brad Finstad (R)

District 2

Angie Craig (D)

District 3

Dean Phillips (D)

District 4

Betty McCollum (D)

District 5

Ilhan Omar (D)

District 6

Tom Emmer (R)

District 7

Michelle Fischbach (R)

District 8

Pete Stauber (R)

Democratic Party (6)

Republican Party (4)