[1][10] Backer dubbed his opponent "Metro Jay" and attacked him for his votes on taxes, increasing the minimum wage, and to legalize protections for same-sex marriage.
[20] Backer was a member of a task force to reform child protection laws, and supported a 2018 bill to extend funding for mental health care for children.
[21][22] He signed on to a letter calling on the University of Minnesota to stop participating in research on "aborted human fetal organs," and signed on to a letter calling on Attorney General Lori Swanson to investigate Planned Parenthood for allegedly selling fetal body parts.
[23][24] Backer praised a bill passed by the House in December 2020 providing aid to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic.
[1] Backer taught fifth and sixth grade release time at Browns Valley's Zion Lutheran Church, where he is an active member.