Story perspectives

Democrats Lead Minnesota Races Amid Voter Concerns

2/12/2026

Center

Democrats Lead Minnesota

Emerson College Polling shows Democrats lead Minnesota in governor and U.S. Senate races.
Senator Amy Klobuchar leads Republican Mike Lindell 53% to 31% and Republican Lisa Demuth 51% to 38%.
Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan and U.S. Representative Angie Craig lead Republican Michele Tafoya by six points.
Minnesota gubernatorial election is scheduled for November 3, 2026.
Voters cite threats to democracy as the top concern, followed by immigration and the economy.

Left

Voters Back Citizenship Proof

A Cygnal poll finds 70% of voters support requiring proof of citizenship for federal elections, challenging the view that voter ID is partisan.
The poll shows Republicans hold a trust advantage on immigration and the economy.
College-educated women shift toward Republicans as non-college women move left.
Democracy threats rise to 21%, surpassing inflation as a top voter priority.
65% favor stricter welfare work requirements, with Democrats opposing.

History

Historical Context

In the 1974 Minnesota gubernatorial election, held on November 5, Wendell Anderson, representing the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party, won with 56% of the vote, marking a pivotal shift in state politics. This election reflected a growing Democratic influence, paralleling contemporary concerns over democracy and immigration, which are shaping voter priorities ahead of the 2026 gubernatorial race.

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Democrats Lead Minnesota

Emerson College Polling shows Democrats lead Minnesota in governor and U.S. Senate races.
Senator Amy Klobuchar leads Republican Mike Lindell 53% to 31% and Republican Lisa Demuth 51% to 38%.
Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan and U.S. Representative Angie Craig lead Republican Michele Tafoya by six points.
Minnesota gubernatorial election is scheduled for November 3, 2026.
Voters cite threats to democracy as the top concern, followed by immigration and the economy.

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