DULUTH — A labor organizer and Democrat running in the 8th Congressional District race has dropped out.

Chad McKenna, 43, of Duluth, said in a video posted to Facebook on Wednesday morning he is suspending his campaign against incumbent Congressman Pete Stauber, a Republican of Hermantown.

"Unfortunately, now just isn't the right time for me and my young family," said McKenna, who has two young children. "This wasn't a decision that I made lightly. I am not doing this because I don't think we can win this race — I absolutely do. You can feel the energy in the streets and in the conversations that I've had with people all over the district: Voters want to hold Pete Stauber accountable."

The November 2026 election is still a year away.

McKenna entered the race earlier this summer and

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