Minnesota Election Day 2026: What's On Your Ballot

ST. PAUL, MN — Minnesota voters are deciding a packed slate of races on Tuesday, from the governor's office to the state Legislature to a constitutional amendment on school funding.

Here's a look at what's on the statewide ballot, along with the races for Congress.

Governor

The race for governor is open after Gov. Tim Walz dropped his bid for a third term. DFL nominee Amy Klobuchar, Minnesota's senior U.S. senator, and running mate Ben Schierer face Republican nominee Lisa Demuth, the speaker of the Minnesota House, and running mate Ryan Wilson. Green Party candidate Steven Young and running mate Jane Kirby are also on the ballot.

Because both major-party nominees are women, Minnesota will elect its first woman governor if either Klobuchar or Demuth wins.

U.S. Senate

DFL Sen. Tina Smith is not seeking reelection. DFL nominee Peggy Flanagan, the state's lieutenant governor, faces Republican nominee Michele Tafoya, a former sports broadcaster. Libertarian Rebecca Whiting and independent Marisa Simonetti are also running. Read more about the two major-party candidates in their Patch candidate profiles for Flanagan and Tafoya.

Attorney general, secretary of state and auditor

DFL Attorney General Keith Ellison is seeking a third term against Republican Ron Schutz.

DFL Secretary of State Steve Simon is seeking a fourth term against Republican Tad Jude, Libertarian George "Chip" Tangen and Green Party candidate Seth Kuhl-Stennes.

The state auditor's seat is open. DFL nominee Zack Filipovich faces Republican Scott Jensen and Forward-Independence Party candidate Jay Reeves.

Congress

All eight of Minnesota's U.S. House seats are on the ballot:

1st District: Republican U.S. Rep. Brad Finstad vs. DFL nominee Jake Johnson

2nd District (open): DFL nominee Matt Little vs. Republican Eric Pratt

3rd District: DFL U.S. Rep. Kelly Morrison vs. Republican Tyler Bass

4th District: DFL U.S. Rep. Betty McCollum vs. Republican Paul Wikstrom

5th District: DFL U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar vs. Republican John Nagel and independent DeVelle Jackson

6th District: Republican U.S. Rep. Tom Emmer vs. DFL nominee Doug Chapin

7th District: Republican U.S. Rep. Michelle Fischbach vs. DFL nominee Erik Osberg

8th District: Republican U.S. Rep. Pete Stauber vs. DFL nominee Trina Swanson

Legislature

All 201 seats in the Minnesota Legislature are up this year: 134 in the House and 67 in the Senate. The House is tied 67-67, and the DFL holds a 34-33 majority in the Senate, so a handful of districts could decide which party controls each chamber.

School funding amendment

Voters statewide will also decide a proposed constitutional amendment that would increase the funding that goes to school districts from the state's permanent school fund. According to the ballot question, the fund supports schools without raising income or property taxes, and the change would take effect July 1, 2027.

To pass, a constitutional amendment must be approved by a majority of everyone who casts a ballot in the election. A ballot that leaves the question blank counts the same as a no vote.

Courts and local races

Two seats on the Minnesota Supreme Court are on the ballot, and neither has an opponent. Depending on where you live, your ballot may also include county races, such as the open race for Hennepin County attorney between Anders Folk and Cedrick Frazier, along with city council, school board and local ballot questions.

Patch will have live results for statewide, congressional and legislative races after polls close Tuesday night.