Obama Endorses 17 Minnesota Candidates Ahead Of Midterms: List

MINNESOTA — Former President Barack Obama announced more than a dozen endorsements in the Minnesota midterms Monday. Obama backed candidates in one of Minnesota's Senate races, as well as the race for governor, and several state House elections.

"Over the next several weeks, we have a chance to elect lots of talented, diverse, patriotic candidates who represent what’s best in the American spirit," he wrote on Facebook.

"So if you don’t like what’s going on right now, don’t boo. Vote."

"Democratic candidates up and down the ticket, all across the country, make up a movement of citizens who are younger, more diverse, more female than ever before," he added.

"They’re Americans who aren’t just running against something, but for something. They’re running to expand opportunity for all of us and to restore the dignity, honor, and compassion that should be the essence of public service. I’m proud to endorse even more of them today and I hope you’ll give them a chance with your vote."

Also read: Minnesota's 2018 Elections: Candidates, Races To Watch This Fall

Minnesota's tightly-contested elections

Both Republican and Democratic strategists believe they can gain key House and Senate seats in Minnesota this campaign season.

President Donald Trump is planning to visit the state for the second time since June.

"The importance of Minnesota towards protecting the House and Senate this election cycle is evident, and we appreciate the President's support of our candidates and all Minnesotans," Republican Party of Minnesota Chairwoman Jennifer Carnahan said in a statement Wednesday.

See the full list of Minnesota candidates endorsed by Obama below:

• Tim Walz (Governor)
• Peggy Flanagan (Lt. Governor)
• Tina Smith (U.S. Senate)
• Dan Feehan (U.S. House, MN-01)
• Angie Craig (U.S. House, MN-02)
• Dean Phillips (U.S. House, MN-03)
• Joe Radinovich (U.S. House, MN-08)
• Zack Stephenson (State House, District 36A)
• Amir Malik (State House, District 37B)
• Shelly Christensen (State House, District 39B)
• Kelly Moller (State House, District 42A)
• Ginny Klevorn (State House, District 44A)
• Heather Edelson (State House, District 49A)
• Ruth Richardson (State House, District 52B)
• Anne Claflin (State House, District 54A)
• Alice Mann (State House, District 56B)
• John Huot (State House, District 57B)

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Photo: Former President Barack Obama speaks during a campaign rally for Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) and Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf on September 21, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Midterm election day is November 6th. (Photo by Mark Makela/Getty Images)