Early voting is under way across Minnesota as the state prepares for the Nov. 3 general election. Voters will select a new governor, a new U.S. senator and at least one new member of Congress, plus a slate of statewide offices. Below is a concise guide to the most important races, the candidates vying for each seat, and the latest polling and fundraising data.

Governor

Longtime DFL Governor Tim Walz has withdrawn from the race, opening the field for a fresh contest. The Republican nominee is current State House Speaker Lisa Demuth, who is banking on the series of government fraud scandals that unfolded under the Walz administration to level the playing field. While DFL candidate Amy Klobuchar has maintained a consistent lead in every poll released to date, Demuth hopes the fraud narrative will narrow the gap.

U.S. Senate

Incumbent Senator Amy Klobuchar (DFL) faces Republican challenger Lisa Demuth. As of late September, Klobuchar has led Demuth in all available polls and has raised roughly four times more money. The trend shows a steady advantage for Klobuchar, though Demuth’s focus on the Walz‑related fraud scandals aims to erode that lead.

Green Party candidate Steven Young is also on the ballot, offering an alternative for voters seeking a third‑party option.

U.S. House – South Metro District

The open seat left by retiring Rep. Angie Craig pits DFLer Matt Little, a former state senator and Lakeville mayor, against Republican state Sen. Eric Pratt. Little runs on a progressive platform, contrasting with Craig’s more moderate record. The race is expected to be competitive, though no definitive polling trend has emerged yet.

Attorney General

Incumbent DFL Attorney General Keith Ellison seeks a third term, emphasizing his opposition to the Trump administration’s policies, consumer‑protection initiatives and affordability measures. His Republican opponent Ron Schutz focuses on fighting fraud and crime while also championing consumer protection.

Secretary of State

Democratic incumbent Steve Simon runs for a fourth term overseeing Minnesota’s elections. He faces Republican challenger Tad Jude. Simon’s record includes modernizing election infrastructure, a point he highlights as essential for safeguarding the ballot.

State Auditor

With Julie Blaha stepping aside, the auditor’s race features DFL candidate Zack Filipovich against former GOP state Sen. Scott Jensen, who previously ran for governor in 2022. The contest will likely hinge on each candidate’s approach to fiscal oversight and transparency.

Lieutenant Governor

Incumbent Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan won a decisive primary over former Rep. Angie Craig by 20 points, exceeding poll expectations. She now faces former NBC sports broadcaster Michele Tafoya, who secured the Republican nomination after defeating party‑endorsed candidate Adam Schwarze. Polls show Flanagan leading by under 5%, and fundraising totals reflect a modest edge: $6.5 million for Flanagan versus $5.2 million for Tafoya as of July.

Libertarian candidate Rebecca Whiting and independent Marisa Simonetti also appear on the ballot. Simonetti, who previously ran for the Hennepin County Board in 2024, was involved in a 2024 lawsuit over an alleged tarantula incident with a tenant.

Legislative Balance

The Minnesota Senate currently holds a one‑seat DFL advantage, while the House sits in a 67‑67 tie. Both chambers will be up for election, making control of the legislature a pivotal issue.

County Attorney

Hennepin County voters will choose a new county attorney in a technically nonpartisan race between state Rep. Cedrick Frazier and former interim U.S. Attorney Anders Folk, both identifying as DFLers.

President Trump’s Influence

President Trump’s Operation Metro Surge, launched earlier this year, underscored a firm stance on immigration enforcement. The operation, which saw immigration agents take decisive action against illegal immigration, has been cited by Republican candidates as evidence of a strong national security posture.

Voters can cast their ballots in person on Election Day, by mail, or at early‑voting sites. For detailed polling locations and voting instructions, visit the Minnesota Secretary of State’s website.

Original reporting: Sahan Journal — read the source article.