Press Releases |
Target Race Launch: DLCC Announces Slate of Targets in Minnesota
2026 is a historic year to build Democratic power in Minnesota and deliver majorities in both chambers in one of the nation’s most competitive legislatures
WASHINGTON—Today, the DLCC announced 32 Target Races in Minnesota as we aim to build Democratic power in the state and cement DFL leadership in both chambers. These 20 House races and 12 Senate races are among the most competitive and consequential contests in the nation, as Minnesota DFLers are just one seat away from securing the House majority and expanding their majority in the Senate.
The DLCC is working directly with the Minnesota House and Senate DFL caucuses to deliver support and resources for data, research, polling, paid communication, and direct voter contact. Democrats in Minnesota already have momentum on their side after announcing that the DFL has reached a record in fundraising and full candidate recruitment for the first time ever. Meanwhile, Republicans hit a historic low and are leaving 17 state House races uncontested. 2026 is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to shift the balance of power across the country, and Minnesota is a top target for the DLCC to secure Democratic majorities. With less than 100 days until Election Day, the DLCC is executing on our historic Target Map and strategy.
Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee President Heather Williams issued the following statement:
“The Minnesota Legislature is one of the most competitive legislatures in the country, where chambers are currently decided by a single seat. 2026 is a historic opportunity to build and expand durable majorities in both the House and the Senate, and we’re proud to be supporting this slate of target candidates to meet this moment. Our candidates in Minnesota are ready to stand up for their communities, fight for progress, and provide a bulwark against the chaos of the Trump administration that is raising costs and making life less affordable. The stakes could not be higher, and the DLCC is all hands on deck to support these strong candidates with the resources they need to win this November.”
The DLCC’s slate of Minnesota Target Races is:
Senate:
- Grant Hauschild (SD-3)
- Rob Kupec (SD-4)
- Aric Putnam (SD-14)
- Simon Glaser (SD-24)
- Chris Ford (SD-32)
- Nat Smith (SD-33)
- Angela Nelson (SD-35)
- Heather Gustafson (SD-36)
- Kristy Janigo (SD-37)
- Judy Seeberger (SD-41)
- Dan Kessler (SD-48)
- Mark Legvold (SD-58)
House:
- Reed Olson (HD-2A)
- Aaron Kania (HD-3A)
- Aaron Schweiger (HD-3B)
- Chris Swanson (HD-11A)
- Zach Dorholt (HD-14B)
- Leah Hanson (HD-18A)
- Dan Wilson (HD-26A)
- Matt Norris (HD-32B)
- Josiah Hill (HD-33B)
- Jason Heaser (HD-34A)
- Zack Stephenson (HD-35A)
- Kari Rehrauer (HD-35B)
- Jim DeMay (HD-36A)
- Darci Smith (HD-37A)
- Cole Birkeland (HD-41A)
- Jen Fox (HD-41B)
- Tracey Breazeale (HD-45A)
- Lucy Rehm (HD-48B)
- Brad Tabke (HD-54A)
- Brian Cohn (HD-57B)
The Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (DLCC) leads the national strategy to secure Democratic power in our state legislatures. We are the campaign arm for more than 3,000 state legislators and thousands of candidates across all 50 states who are advancing Democratic values and standing up to the dangerous MAGA agenda every single day. Over the last decade, our work has flipped 10 new chamber majorities. Those new majorities have ensured Democrats in state legislatures are positioned to protect our democracy and fundamental rights, while addressing the high cost of living and advancing opportunities. The DLCC’s national strategy and target map continue to pinpoint the most efficient paths to Democratic power across all 50 states.