Minnesota voters have chosen their party nominees for governor and U.S. Senate, finalizing the candidates who will compete in two of the state's most closely watched races this November.
Voters across Minnesota went to the polls Tuesday to select party nominees for governor and U.S. Senate, narrowing crowded fields and setting the stage for high-profile contests in November. According to the Associated Press, Sen. Amy Klobuchar secured the Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) nomination for governor, prevailing over six other candidates. On the Republican side, House Speaker Lisa Demuth was projected to win the GOP nomination, defeating former MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell and Army veteran Kendall Qualls.
Mike Lindell had campaigned with the endorsement of President Donald Trump, while Kendall Qualls entered the primary with the backing of the state Republican Party's convention. Qualls conceded the race Tuesday night, congratulating Demuth on her victory. With her win, Lisa Demuth becomes the first Black woman to secure a major party nomination for Minnesota governor. She will face Amy Klobuchar in the general election this fall.
In the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate, Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan was projected to win over U.S. Rep. Angie Craig, according to the Associated Press. The seat is open due to the retirement of Sen. Tina Smith, who chose not to seek reelection. On the Republican side, former sports broadcaster Michele Tafoya was projected to win her party's nomination, defeating former NBA player Royce White and former Navy SEAL Adam Schwarze. Both Flanagan and Tafoya will advance to the November general election for the open Senate seat.
Elsewhere on the ballot, the Democratic primary for Minnesota's 2nd Congressional District saw former Lakeville mayor and state senator Matt Little, who was endorsed by the DFL, projected to win a three-way race for the nomination to succeed Angie Craig. He will face Republican state Sen. Eric Pratt, who ran unopposed, in November.
The primary results finalize the candidate lineups for several of Minnesota's most competitive statewide and congressional races. The general election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, when voters will decide the next governor, U.S. senator, and representatives for key districts.
Minnesota's primary process allows voters to select party nominees for statewide and federal offices, with the winners advancing to the general election. The Associated Press projects winners based on vote counts and official reporting from election authorities. The November ballot will feature several races that could influence the state's political direction and representation in Washington, D.C.
