About 3,000 Minnesota Republican delegates will meet in Duluth on May 29-30 to decide endorsements for five statewide offices, with the governor and U.S. Senate contests drawing the most attention.
The gubernatorial fight centers on House Speaker Lisa Demuth, Kendall Qualls and Mike Lindell; Demuth and Qualls say they will honor the endorsement, while Lindell has not committed to leaving the race if he loses.
Trump's December backing of Lindell could sway activist delegates, who political scientist Cindy Rugeley said are typically more ideologically conservative than the party's broader electorate.
The Senate endorsement battle includes Royce White, who lost to Amy Klobuchar by nearly 16 points in 2024, alongside Michele Tafoya and former Navy SEAL Adam Schwarze for an open seat vacated by Tina Smith.
Minnesota's DFL will hold its convention in Rochester on May 29-31, where Amy Klobuchar is expected to secure the gubernatorial endorsement and Peggy Flanagan and Angie Craig are competing for the Senate nod.
How might candidates from sports and business backgrounds reshape Minnesota's political leadership?
With candidates bypassing party endorsements, is the Minnesota convention system becoming obsolete?
How will the state’s massive social services fraud scandal influence this year's key election outcomes?