September 26, 2022
ICYMI: Republican congressional candidate Tyler Kistner is ‘pro-life’ but no longer vocal about it
Kistner: “With me, you get someone who is strongly pro-life.”
BURNSVILLE, MN — In newly discovered audio from an interview with conservative podcast host Mitch Berg in October of 2020, Republican candidate for MN-02 Tyler Kistner says that his pro-life agenda is a top legislative priority for his first 100 days in office.
When asked, “Is there anything people can expect from you in terms of policy, positions in your first 100 days in office?” Kistner lists his “strongly pro-life” stance in his top two priorities.
“With me, you get someone who is strongly pro-life,” said Tyler Kistner.
“We knew Tyler Kistner’s extreme anti-abortion agenda was out of touch with Minnesota voters. What we’re learning is how willing he is to sacrifice any commitment to the truth or basic principles to enact it,” said Angie Craig for Congress campaign manager Wellesley Daniels. “After getting caught in a lie this many times, you start to wonder, would Kistner be better off just owning his position? Who does he think he’s fooling?”
The newly discovered audio comes after months of tough press for Kistner, who, like many GOP candidates across the county, has clumsily tried to walk back his extreme stance on abortion.
Last week, in response to the Star Tribune’s request for a summary of each candidate’s position on abortion in their annual voter guide, Tyler Kistner tried to hide his extreme anti-choice position. “Abortion is an incredibly complex issue that can not be summarized in 20 words,” Kistner responded.
Press reports revealed he removed his “100% pro-life” stance from his website, secretly pledged to restrict abortions and just last week called Republican Sen. Lindsay Graham’s nationwide abortion ban bill, which would criminalize doctors and nurses, “reasonable.” He’s also proudly touted endorsements from organizations like Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, a group dedicated to criminalizing abortion nationwide.
When asked where he stands on Roe v. Wade in June, Kistner told the Star Tribune, “I think that decision should be left at the states to decide.” Since Roe was overturned, nine states have enacted laws to ban abortion with no exceptions for rape or incest. A number of them also stipulate that doctors who perform abortions could go to jail.