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

MINNESOTA — Labor Day is the unofficial kickoff of campaign season in Minnesota. Come November, eyes across the nation will be watching the Land of 10,000 Lakes and its high-profile political battles for governor, House, and Senate.

Patch will provide local coverage throughout the campaign. Be sure to subscribe to free news alerts for updates and election results.

Here are the races to watch this fall:

The open race for Minnesota Governor

After serving two terms, Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton is retiring, leaving a highly competitive race for the state's highest office.

Hennepin County commissioner and Republican Jeff Johnson will face Democrat Tim Walz, a member of the U.S. House representing southern Minnesota.

The Cook Political Report, an independent, non-partisan newsletter that analyzes elections and campaigns, currently lists the race as leaning Democratic.

Minnesota's two U.S. Senate races

Amy Klobuchar will run for her third term in the U.S. Senate. against Republican challenger Jim Newberger. The Cook Political report says this race is "solid" for the Democrats.

Tina Smith will run in the special election held to replace Al Franken, who resigned from the Senate in January amid sexual misconduct allegations. Smith will face Republican Karin Housley.

The Cook Political report says this race is a leaning Democratic.

United States House

Minnesota will feature a slew of competitive races for U.S. House this election cycle:

• First District: [Open race] Republican Jim Hagedorn will face Democrat Dan Feehan
  • Cook Political Report ranking: Toss-up
• Second District: Incumbent Republican Rep. Jason Lewis will face Democrat Angie Craig
  • Cook Political Report ranking: Toss-up
• Third District: Democrat Dean Phillips will face Incumbent Republican Rep. Erik Paulsen
  • Cook Political Report ranking: Toss-up
• Fourth District: Incumbent Democrat Rep. Betty McCollum will face Republican Greg Ryan
  • Cook Political Report ranking: Not competitive
• Fifth District: [Open race] Democrat Ilhan Omar will face Republican Jennifer Zielinski
  • Cook Political Report ranking: Not competitive
• Sixth District: Incumbent Republican Rep. Tom Emmer will face Democrat Ian Todd
  • Cook Political Report ranking: Not competitive
• Seventh District: Incumbent Democratic Rep. Collin Peterson will face Republican Dave Hughes
  • Cook Political Report ranking: Likely Democratic
• Eighth District: Donald Trump-endorsed candidate Pete Stauber will face Democrat Joe Radinovich
  • Cook Political Report ranking: Toss-up

Attorney General

Typically a low-profile race, the contest for Minnesota's attorney general became the subject of national news just days before the primary. Democratic congressman and candidate for attorney general Keith Ellison has denied an allegation that he physically abused his ex-girlfriend.

Despite the allegation, Ellison won the Democratic primary for attorney general. He will face Republican Doug Wardlow.

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