Photo Credit: State Of Minnesota / Official State Seal
(MINNESOTA) – One Minnesota Senate seat is open as Democratic Senator Tina Smith decided not to seek re-election after eight years in the position. Primaries for both parties take place on August 11 and will determine which candidate from each side advances.
Six Democrats are in the running, but Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan and Minnesota Representative Angie Craig are considered the frontrunners. Other candidates include Kurt Michael Anderson, Billy Nord, Peter Murgic, and George Kalberer.
There are currently nine Republican candidates, including Royce White, Adam Schwarze, Michele Tafoya, Bob Carney, Jr., Cynthia Gail, Ahmad Hassan, Joyce Lacey, Patrick Munro, and Tom Weller. Former NBA player White, retired Navy SEAL Schwarze, and prior sports broadcaster Tafoya are currently the candidates most likely to win the Republican Primary.
This year's Minnesota Senate primaries have become one of the most expensive in the US, with outside groups spending almost $20 million combined. Democrats currently hold both Senate seats, the governor's office, and the state Senate. Statistically, Democratic candidates tend to have the advantage in Minnesota, though the House is a 4-4 split between Republicans and Democrats.
The current open seat is only for the vacancy created by Tina Smith, as Minnesota is not a resign-to-run state. This means Amy Klobuchar, current Senator and gubernatorial candidate, will not be required to resign her Senate seat unless she wins the gubernatorial race.
To add to or correct any information in this report, please contact me at kristin.h@lead4earth.org.
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