Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz to headline fundraiser for New Hampshire Democrats
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Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is in New Hampshire Friday to headline a buzzy fundraising dinner for state Democrats.
State of play: Walz is chair of the Democratic Governors Association and the Granite State is home to one of the nation's most competitive gubernatorial races this year.
The intrigue: The pilgrimage to the Democrats' former official first-in-the-nation primary state is also the latest example of the DFL governor raising his national profile.
- The moves have fueled speculation that Walz — a Biden campaign surrogate — could be laying the groundwork for a third term, a future Cabinet position, or even a run for national office someday.
Inside the room: In addition to his national media appearances, Walz has spoken at Democratic Party functions in Indiana, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, and Iowa in the last year.
Reality check: 2028 is a long time away. And an open race for Democrats that year will likely attract a crowded field —including some much bigger names.
In other political news:
🗳️ KSTP's latest poll of Minnesota voters shows President Biden and former President Trump locked in a dead heat, with Biden up 44%-42%. That's within the margin of error and much closer than 2020.
- What we're watching: 11% of voters told the station's pollsters that they'll vote for "someone else," suggesting third-party candidates could be a factor if the race remains close.
Between the lines: The poll also showed that suburban voters now generally prefer Republicans by a narrow margin — a reversal from a month ago, when the DFL had an 8-point edge.
- That could spell trouble in their bid to retain control of the state House — and the trifecta.
💰 U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar is set to report another huge fundraising haul ahead of a rematch against DFL challenger Don Samuels.
- Follow the money: The Minneapolis Democrat's campaign says she raised nearly $1.7 million between January and April — besting her own record set in the final quarter of 2023.
Samuels' spokesperson said he'll share his numbers on Monday, the filing deadline.
Trail Mix is Axios Twin Cities reporter Torey Van Oot's occasional column on all things Minnesota politics. Send her your tips and political takes: [email protected]