In deep red districts, Democrats know there is only one way they can get elected: Pose as Republicans. They know they would be rejected by their constituents if they expressed their real views so they masquerade as something they are not. This may be the case in Senate District 10 as Minnesota’s most conservative Senator, Nathan Wesenberg, faces a primary opponent that deer farmer Steve Porter says is a secret Democrat.

This may not be a surprise to all. As seen in previous A4L reporting, RINO Ron Kresha has publicly called on leftist Democrats to vote in the GOP primary to oppose Wesenberg and Mark Striemer. Striemer is a conservative businessman who is the endorsed candidate for the seat Kresha currently holds. Since Kresha knows that grassroots conservatives no longer respect him, he has to appeal to leftists to undermine conservatives in the Republican Party. Also seen in the A4L reporting is that Wesenberg's opponent is a supporter of the most liberal RINO in the Governor's race, Liar Lisa Demuth.

Wesenberg won the GOP endorsement unopposed at the SD10 convention but faces a primary challenger who sneakily filed for the race at the last moment on the final day of the candidate filing period. Wesenberg has expressed that he hoped to help swing district Republicans get elected but must now direct time, energy, and resources into an unnecessary primary.

Wesenberg’s opponent, insurance agent Deb Holthaus, is the Secretary of the Minnesota Deer Farmers Association but Minnesota’s most well known deer farmer, Steve Porter, says Deb was a friend but he knows she is a Democrat. Having previously served on the deer farmer board alongside Deb, Steve Porter has credibility and would have insights that others do not. In recent videos, Porter has said that exposing the truth will lose him friends but he is refusing to stay silent. 

Steve Porter argues that Deb Holthaus is not aligned with Republicans on at least two critical issues: Gun control and abortion. As two of the most critical issues for conservative voters, Holthaus’ positions may prove to be far too liberal for one of the reddest districts in the state. Porter argues that Holthaus is NOT pro-life and supports gun control.

Aside from personal conversation with Holthaus, Porter points directly to Holthaus’ campaign website to evidence her liberal views. On the 2nd Amendment, Holthaus does not say she will oppose all new gun control. Instead, Holthaus says that gun rights can be respected “while continuing to promote responsible ownership and community safety”. Many conservatives see this as code-talk for gun control and her lack of clarity indicates that she does not want voters to know her true views.

On the issue of abortion, Porter says he knows Holthaus is pro-choice. In one of his videos, Porter exposed that Holthaus changed her campaign website once learning that Porter was going to discuss this issue. Even after the wordsmithing, Holthaus’ position on her website makes no mention of defunding abortion/Planned Parenthood or even ending late term abortion/any abortion at all. 

On the other hand, Nathan Wesenberg has been a champion for the issues of Life and the 2nd Amendment. Wesenberg has introduced bills and amendments that fight for Life at Conception and defund abortion/Planned Parenthood. Wesenberg has also opposed all pieces of gun control voted on in the Senate. As a rock-solid conservative on these critical issues, many voters believe Holthaus will move the district to the left if she were to become the new Senator.

Steve Porter also makes the point that Wesenberg has been the best legislator in the state when fighting for the interests of deer farms. Wesenberg’s unwavering support on this issue makes it even stranger for Deb Holthaus to unexpectedly challenge him.

While a small number of RINOs are publicly backing Holthaus, the grassroots appears to be rallying behind Wesenberg since he has fought for their values and has kept the public informed every step of the way. This pivotal race will show if conservative voters in a deep red district can be deceived into voting for a candidate that many see as a secret Democrat.

Another reason conservatives may reject Deb Holtaus is based on the creepy, stalker-like actions that she or her supporters have taken. As seen below, Wesenberg discovered a Holthaus literature piece with a note telling his wife that "The Establishment is watching you." SD10 voters will have to decide if this is the kind of behavior they want out of campaigns. See below:

My wife and I went out for supper and came out to this on our window. My opponent is acting like a real winner. 🙄 pic.twitter.com/jMYqR5uNS8

— Nathan Wesenberg for Senate (@Nate4Senate) June 13, 2026

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