Thomas Bowman, an independent candidate for Minnesota’s 2nd Congressional District, has suspended his campaign after claiming he was unwittingly used as a pawn in a Democratic Party election fraud scheme.
Bowman, 71, was recruited to run as an Independent by the Patriots Run Project, an organization now linked to Democratic operatives and donors.
An investigation revealed the group’s efforts to install pro-Trump conservatives as independents in key races across the country to split the conservative vote and secure power for Democrats.
“I certainly spent a lot of time and effort influencing the race as a pawn in this scheme here,” Bowman stated, announcing his decision to endorse Republican Joe Teirab in the race against Democratic Rep. Angie Craig.
The retiree, who had been campaigning as a constitutional conservative, received nearly $20,000 in donations to gather signatures for ballot access.
He changed his stance after learning that one donor, Elizabeth Steinglass, had also contributed to Craig’s campaign.
Teirab welcomed Bowman’s decision to unite the conservative vote.
“Thomas is a true patriot for his willingness to boldly call out the dirty tricks that Angie Craig’s allies pulled in an attempt to interfere in the election,” Teirab said.
Craig’s campaign denied involvement, asserting, “Mr. Bowman’s effort to get on the ballot.”
The Patriots Run Project’s activities have sparked controversy in multiple states.
In Iowa, the Division of Criminal Investigation has opened an election fraud inquiry after independent candidate Joe Wiederien withdrew, claiming he had been deceived.
Meanwhile, in Wisconsin, “America First” candidate Thomas Leager announced his intention to remain in the race against Democratic Sen. Tammy Baldwin, despite acknowledging his association with the Patriots Run Project.
“At the end of the day, I’m grateful and blessed to have the chance to try and serve the state and country I love to the best of my ability,” Leager said.
The scandal has led to a complaint filed with the Federal Election Commission, alleging the group failed to register as a political committee.
Facebook has removed the group’s pages, and its websites have been deleted.