(ABC 6 News) – Local politicians aren’t wasting any time advocating for their party’s presidential ticket ahead of next week’s primary election.

Rochester Democrats held a press conference on Friday about the urgent need to support democracy and address what they call Donald Trump’s “extreme” Project 2025 agenda.

Members of the DFL say the upcoming elections are crucial to protecting democracy and the future of our country.

Local senators and representatives highlighted Vice President Kamala Harris’ accomplishments as well as their pride in Minnesota Governor Tim Walz’s VP nomination.

“Governor Walz and Vice President Harris have laid the groundwork, standing up for our rights and freedoms, and it is now time to elect them to protect those same freedoms on the national level,” said Rep. Tina Liebling (DFL-Rochester).

They also expressed concern over Trump’s falsifying records convictions and alleged attempt to overturn the results of the 2020 election.

“He’s too dangerous to get anywhere near the white house again. His attacks on our democracy have undermined the rule of law and they’ve made our country less safe,” said Rep. Kim Hicks (DFL-Rochester).

“We don’t win with violence. We don’t win by storming the capital. We don’t win by intimidation or hateful rhetoric. We win with democracy and believing and acting within that democracy,” said Rep. Andy Smith (DFL-Rochester).

However, Minnesota Republicans say Democrats are fear-mongering, and the country is worse off after four years of Biden and Harris.

“I think about, what about our economy? Are things more or less expensive? Is it more or less difficult to put dinner on the table for your family? It’s more difficult,” said Rep. Peggy Bennett (R-Albert Lea).

Republicans say they’d rather focus on specific issues facing voters, like inflation, crime and immigration.

“There are serious things happening in the world and in our nation that we should focus on, not trying to find some obscure groups plan and tagging it at somebody so they can attack them lets talk about the true issues that face us,” said Rep. Duane Quam (R-Byron).

Those on both sides of the political aisle agree, whoever you want to see in office, it’s critical to exercise your right to vote.

“People getting out to vote is how things are decided,” said Quam.

“We are talking about how important it is to cast your vote and that is 100% true, it’s that’s important in the primary day next Tuesday and that’s important in November, but democracy isn’t just about casting a vote, it’s bigger than that, it’s about being engaged and being involved,” said Sen. Liz Boldon (DFL-Rochester).

The Minnesota primary will be held Tuesday, August 13. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

You can register to vote and see what’s on your ballot on the Minnesota Secretary of State’s website.