Midterm elections are around the corner on Nov. 8; here’s what voters can expect to see on their ballots.
Gubernatorial Race
The candidates running for Governor and Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota are incumbents and DFL candidates Gov. Tim Walz and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan. The Republican candidates running against Walz and Flanagan are Scott Jensen and his running mate Matt Birk.
U.S. House of Representatives – District 5
Representatives are elected for a two-year term and serve in the U.S House of Representatives. Each representative represents a different congressional district to introduce bills and resolutions, along with other duties. Running to represent District 5, which includes the University of Minnesota campus, are DFL incumbent Ilhan Omar and Republican candidate Cicely Davis.
State Senator – District 60
State senators represent a certain district and introduce bills and resolutions in the Minnesota Senate. District 60’s current senator, Kari Dziedzic (DFL), is running unopposed.
State Representative – District 60B
State representatives represent a certain district and introduce bills and resolutions in the Minnesota House of Representatives. Incumbent Mohamud Noor (DFL) is running unopposed.
Secretary of State
The secretary of state’s role is the chief of elections, meaning they operate the statewide voter registration system, among other election duties. They also help Minnesota business owners start and run their businesses. This term’s candidates are Republican Kim Crockett and incumbent Steve Simon (DFL).
Attorney General
The attorney general serves as chief legal officer and represents Minnesota in state and federal court. DFL incumbent Keith Ellison is running for reelection against GOP nominee Jim Schultz.
State Auditor
State auditors are the state’s financial watchdogs. They oversee approximately $60 million in local government spending. This term’s candidates are Republican Ryan Wilson and current DFL State Auditor Julie Blaha.
County Commissioner – District 4
County commissioners ensure that citizen concerns are addressed and requirements from the state and federal governments are fulfilled in their county. Angela Conley is the current county commissioner for District 4 and is running unopposed.
County Sheriff
The Hennepin County Sheriff manages the county jail, provides security to the district court and creates initiatives to stay in line with the office’s mandate of “keep and preserve the peace of the community,” according to the Hennepin County Sheriff’s office website. This year’s candidates are Joseph Banks and Dawanna Witt. This is a nonpartisan election.
County Attorney
County attorneys hold the most power in the criminal legal system because they can influence the community’s views on critical issues of justice and rights, according to the Minneapolis Foundation. The attorney primarily prosecutes felony crimes. This term’s candidates are Mary Moriarty and Martha Holton Dimick. This is a nonpartisan election.
