Incumbents breeze through GOP endorsements in Senate District 9

Republicans in Senate District 9 endorsed candidates for state Senate and two House seats Saturday at the Bigwood Event Center in Fergus Falls, with all three incumbents winning endorsement after convention delegates heard speeches focused on conservative priorities, rural concerns, and party unity.

Delegates endorsed Sen. Jordan Rasmusson for Senate District 9, Jeff Backer for House District 9A, and Tom Murphy for House District 9B. All three were running unopposed for their endorsements.

Three candidates make their pitch

The endorsements came after each candidate—all of whom were running unopposed—was given time to make their case to delegates. 

Rasmusson, who has served as assistant leader of the House Republican caucus, highlighted his record on conservative legislation, including efforts related to fraud, rural emergency medical services, nursing homes, and a bill he said rolled back healthcare for undocumented immigrants. 

He was officially nominated without opposition.

Backer, of Browns Valley, delivered an energetic speech leaning into social and fiscal conservative themes. 

He emphasized his role as co-chair of the House health committee, argued against vaccine mandates and assisted suicide legislation, and repeatedly called out what he termed “metro crazy people” for their positions on healthcare and abortion. His nomination was seconded by Andy Braderick of Pelican Rapids.

Murphy focused on fraud, spending, and cultural issues, while also arguing that rural Republicans need to push back against metro-area influence. 

He told delegates they were the “true leaders” of the party and echoed familiar conservative concerns about election integrity and government waste.