In a night that saw high drama and surprising outcomes, the 2026 Minnesota primary elections have shaken up the political landscape, setting the stage for November's midterm elections. As Minnesotans flocked to the polls, the results provided a glimpse into the state's evolving political dynamics, with some unexpected twists and turns. Here’s a breakdown of the latest in the Minnesota election results and the MN primary results so far.
Governor's Race: A Battle of Titans
The governor's race has been the most closely watched, with some of the biggest surprises of the night. Incumbent Gov. Tim Walz, a Democrat, is not seeking re-election, leaving the race wide open. The state's current Lt. Governor, Peggy Flanagan, was widely expected to win the Democratic nomination. However, she faced a strong challenge from incumbent U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar. The senator's switch from the Senate to the gubernatorial race was seen as an ambitious move, and the primary results have shown that it may have been a smart one. As of the latest MN primary results, Klobuchar and Flanagan are neck and neck, with the final tally still pending. The race is so tight that even a few stray votes could swing the nomination.
In the Republican camp, Lisa Demuth, the state House Speaker, was widely anticipated to win the nomination, and she did. However, there was a close call with state Sen. Scott Jensen, who made a strong showing in the primary. Jensen’s unexpected popularity has raised eyebrows, and it will be interesting to see how this plays out in the general election.
U.S. Senate Race: A Heated Showdown
The U.S. Senate race has also seen intense competition. Former state Sen. Ben Hover, a Republican, and incumbent Rep. Angie Craig, a Democrat, are facing off after winning their respective primaries. The race is expected to be one of the most closely watched in the country, with significant implications for the balance of power in the Senate. Craig’s victory in the primary was expected, but Hover’s win on the Republican side was a bit of a surprise. He narrowly edged out several other candidates, including former Rep. Tom Emmer, who had been favored to win.
The Senate race is particularly significant because of the national implications. The outcome in Minnesota could be a deciding factor in which party controls the Senate. With both candidates vying for the seat, this race will be one of the toughest and most expensive in the country. As the MN election results continue to come in, all eyes are on the Senate race as a potential bellwether for the November elections.
House Races: A Mixed Bag of Surprises
The House races in Minnesota have also provided some unexpected results. In the 1st District, incumbent Rep. Brad Finstad, a Republican, is facing a strong challenge from Democrat Jeff Ettinger, a former CEO of Hormel. Finstad initially won the nomination after a contentious primary battle with several other candidates. However, Ettinger’s campaign has gained significant momentum. As of the latest MN primary results, the race is too close to call, and the final outcome could hinge on a few hundred votes
The 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th District races have also seen some surprises. In the 3rd District, incumbent Rep. Dean Phillips, a Democrat, was expected to win easily, but he faced a strong challenge from Republican nominee Tom Weymouth. However, Phillips managed to hold onto his seat, albeit with a smaller margin than anticipated. The 4th District saw a similar scenario, with incumbent Rep. Betty McCollum, a Democrat, narrowly winning against Republican nominee John Kline. In the 7th and 8th Districts, the outcomes have been a mixed bag, with some incumbents winning comfortably and others facing tough challenges.
One of the most notable developments is the rise of third-party candidates in several districts. While they did not win any races, their presence has been significant, and their votes could sway the outcome in November. This trend is a testament to the growing discontent with the two-party system and the desire for more diverse representation in government.
The Race for Secretary of State
In another significant race, the battle for the Secretary of State office has also heated up. Incumbent Secretary Steve Simon, a Democrat, is facing a strong challenge from Republican nominee Kim Crockett. The race has been contentious, with both candidates focusing on issues related to election integrity and voter access. As of the latest MN primary results, the race is too close to call, and the final outcome could have significant implications for the state’s election processes in the future.
One thing is for sure: the 2026 Minnesota primary has been a wild ride, with more surprises and twists than anyone could have anticipated. As the final MN election results come in, it’s clear that the political landscape in Minnesota is shifting rapidly, and the coming months will be crucial in determining the state’s future. With so much on the line, it’s anyone’s guess what November will bring.
Will Minnesota continue its trend of political unpredictability, or will the November elections see a return to more traditional outcomes? As we eagerly await the final MN primary results, one thing is clear: the political drama in Minnesota is far from over. With so much on the line, the Minnesota primary 2026 has set the stage for a thrilling and unpredictable election season. The coming months will be pivotal, and the final outcomes will have significant implications for the state and the nation.
