MN GOP Hasn't Won Statewide Since 2006, But That Could Change Nov. 8

MINNESOTA — It's been 16 years since a Republican won statewide rice in Minnesota when Tim Pawlenty won a second term in office.

Since then, the Democrat-Farmer-Labor Party has won — often by wide margins — every single race for governor, attorney general, secretary of state, and state auditor.

Republicans have succeeded in winning majorities in the Minnesota House and Senate. But Democrats have consistently held executive power and thus, driven the conversation on state policy for over a decade and a half.

But that streak could end in two weeks when voters — concerned about the economy and crime — head to the polls.

Polls conducted back in the summer showed all statewide Democrats with sizeable leads. However, all four statewide races tightened in the past month, likely thanks in part to the Feeding Our Future scandal and growing concerns about inflation.

A poll published last week by Trafalgar Group found that Democratic Gov. Tim Walz is narrowly trailing Republican challenger Scott Jensen.

The same survey also found that Democratic Attorney General Keith Ellison is trailing his Republican challenger, Jim Schultz, by about 5 percentage points.

Meanwhile, Republican Kim Crockett is down just two percentage points from her opponent, Democratic Secretary of State Steve Simon, according to the poll.

The survey also found that Democratic state auditor Julie Blaha is trailing her Republican challenger, Ryan Wilson, by about 4 percentage points.

Voters' movement towards Republican candidates in Minnesota mirrors recent trends across the country.

A New York Times/Siena College poll last week found Republicans gaining ground with voters across the country, especially in races for U.S. House and Senate seats.

Still, Minnesota Democrats have a number of advantages heading into Election Day. All four DFL candidates running in the statewide elections are incumbents, who are historically favored to win reelection.

Minnesotan Democrats have also been outraising and outspending Republicans. Walz's campaign has raised about $4.4 million, while Jensen's campaign has raised $3 million.

But if trends reflected in the latest polls hold up on Election Day, Republicans could flip at least one executive office their way.