Dave Hughes

Dave Hughes (Republican Party) ran for election to the U.S. House to represent Minnesota's 7th Congressional District. He did not appear on the ballot for the Republican primary on August 11, 2026.

Dave Hughes did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2026 Candidate Connection survey.

Dave Hughes did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2022 Candidate Connection survey.

Dave Hughes did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2020 Candidate Connection survey.

Hughes' campaign website stated the following:

BORDER SECURITY & IMMIGRATION

America is a country of immigrants, and we celebrate that diversity. However, immigrants should come to the United States legally, and illegal immigration should not be rewarded. Congress should pass legislation to immediately release funding to construct a wall spanning our southern border, deport illegal aliens who commit crimes, and eliminate any federal funding for sanctuary cities or states.

RIGHT TO LIFE

We were endowed by our Creator with inherent and inalienable rights; that among these, are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The first of these rights is life. We should protect and value life from the very first heart beat to the last.

AGRICULTURE

America’s national security and quality of life depend upon our agricultural prowess. Free and fair trade is needed to expand American exports into new markets, and trade deals should ensure American products are not at a competitive disadvantage. Continued work to eliminate regulations and lower taxes will help agriculture thrive.

AMERICA FIRST

Foreign policy should always put America first. We should stand firm behind our allies and firmly against our enemies. America should lead with strength and ensure that our national sovereignty is preserved. Threats to our security should be swiftly eliminated and we should aggressively protect our interests. The United States can achieve peace through strength.

LOWER TAXES & LESS GOVERNMENT

Americans deserve to keep more of their hard-earned money. Taxes are too high and unfair. We must eliminate the death tax, continue to work to lower taxes, and eliminate burdensome regulations. Congress needs to pass a balanced budget, cut spending, and start to reduce our national debt immediately. Our children should not inherit our debts.

RIGHT TO KEEP & BEAR ARMS

We have a constitutional right to keep and bear arms. This right should not be infringed. Firearms are the first line of defense against violent criminals and no law abiding American should have barriers erected which impair their self-defense.

HONORING OUR VETERANS

America is free because of the brave. We owe the best to our men and women who have risked their lives to protect us. Veterans Affairs needs a complete overhaul. Our veterans deserve the same, if not better, healthcare than the plans enjoyed by Members of Congress.

HEALTHCARE REFORM

Our healthcare system is deteriorating, insurance rates are on the rise, and accessibility to services is becoming more difficult. Congress should allow a more competitive market, even across state lines, abolish the employer mandates, reduce coverage requirements to allow Americans to choose the plan which best fits their needs, and require more transparency in the healthcare market, such as price disclosure so that consumers may accurately compare prices.

QUALITY EDUCATION

Parents should have more options available to educate their children. School choice will enable parents to choose which educational setting will best help their child achieve their own American dream. We can greatly reduce our federal Department of Education and send more funding back to states in the form of block grants to allow state governments to better educate children.[3]

—Dave Hughes' campaign website (2018)[4]

Hughes' campaign website stated the following:

Prosperity: Dramatically Reduce the Size and Scope of the U.S. Federal Government; Pass a Balanced Budget Constitutional Amendment; Comprehensively audit all 15 U.S. federal departments and 200+ agencies, bureaus, etc. Debt Ceiling – Never raise it again; Prohibit all federal public employee unions – a conflict of interest even FDR opposed; Repeal 16th and 17th Amendments to the Constitution; Abolish the Federal Personal and Corporate Income Tax; No Bailouts – Ever – for banks, airlines, auto companies, etc.;End Crony Capitalism

Security: Actively Support and Defend the U.S. Constitution against all enemies; Employ all available instruments of national power before resorting to war; National Security/Foreign Policy – More Congressional Oversight; Secure the Borders, Strengthen Interior Enforcement, No Amnesty, Tighten Visa Policy, Implement Market-based Temporary-worker program; Wage Comprehensive Global War on Islamist Terrorism

Integrity: Pass Constitutional Amendment – Term Limits for Congress; Pass Constitutional Amendment – Remove "Judicial Review" from Judiciary – foster true equality between the three branches of government; Abolish Congressional Pension System; Prohibit members of Congress from trading on nonpublic government information; Prohibit members of Congress to trade on companies they oversee; Apply Whistleblower laws to Congress[3]

—Dave Hughes' campaign website (2016)[5]