Rep.-elect Walter Hudson is doubling down on comments he made comparing COVID-19 vaccine mandates to slavery at a Mask Off Minnesota event in Bloomington earlier this week.

“I’m not saying that vaccine mandates are like slavery. I’m saying they are slavery because it is a claim of ownership over the life and body of another human being,” Hudson told Alpha News over the phone this week.

Hudson, a Republican, will represent District 30A, which encompasses St. Michael, Albertville, Hanover, Otsego, and Rockford Township.

Hudson said DFL lawmakers are openly discussing plans to introduce legislation that would prevent people from “conscientiously” objecting to vaccine mandates.