Here's Why President Trump Will Be In Minnesota Again

ROCHESTER, MN — Donald Trump only visited Minnesota once during the 2016 campaign, and he didn't return during the first year of his presidency. But on Thursday, President Trump will make his second visit to the Land of 10,000 Lakes since June.

Vice President Mike Pence and other top Republican officials have made several recent trips to Minnesota as well. Why is the state so important all of a sudden?

Minnesota is a key battleground state in the 2018 midterms. On top of several congressional districts and the governorship, there are two U.S. Senate seats up for grabs. Most of these races are expected to be close.

In the summer, Trump visited Duluth, the largest city in one of the most competitive congressional districts in the country this year. Trump won Minnesota's 8th Congressional District in 2016, but voters there also reelected Democratic Rep. Rick Nolan.

Nolan is leaving his seat in 2019, and Republicans are hopeful they can reclaim the district in November. Trump-endorsed candidate Pete Stauber will face Democrat Joe Radinovich.

Why Trump's rally Thursday will be in Rochester, Minnesota

Democrat Rep. Tim Walz has represented Minnesota's First Congressional District — which covers much of rural, southern Minnesota — since 2007. Because Walz is leaving his seat to run for governor, Republicans have a good shot at flipping the district red.

According to the Cook Political Report, the First District race between Republican Jim Hagedorn and Democrat Dan Feehan is a toss-up. Republicans hope Trump's visit Thursday will give them the edge over the DFL.

"For Minnesota Republicans, this is a dream come true," Republican Party of Minnesota Chairwoman Jennifer Carnahan, speaking of Trump's visit, said in a statement.

"We are jumping through the roof with excitement to welcome our great and fearless leader, President Donald J. Trump, back to Minnesota next week."

"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," she added.

President Trump will speak at Rochester's Mayo Civic Center. The event will begin at 6:30 p.m. on Oct. 4. Doors open at 3:30 p.m.

You can register for tickets here. Tickets are being distributed on a first come, first serve basis.

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Photo: Supporters wait for the start of a campaign rally with President Donald Trump at the Amsoil Arena on June 20, 2018 in Duluth Minnesota. Earlier today President Trump signed an executive order to keep undocumented families together as outcry continued to grow over the policy of separating children from their parents when they're caught crossing the U.S. border from Mexico. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)