Trail Mix: U.S. Rep. Angie Craig's fundraising edge
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DFL U.S. Rep. Angie Craig maintains a significant cash advantage over her would-be GOP challengers.
Why it matters: With a rating of "lean Democrat," the 2nd Congressional District is home to Minnesota's most (and only) seriously competitive U.S. House race this year.
Follow the money: Craig brought in about $1 million between January and the end of March and ended the quarter with $2.8 million cash on hand.
- Republican Joe Teirab, a former federal prosecutor, reported raising $538,000 and ending March with $662,000 in the bank.
- Attorney Tayler Rahm reported $64,000 in contributions and has just $59,500 on hand.
State of play: Rahm and Teirab are trading barbs and courting delegates ahead of the upcoming GOP endorsing convention.
- Both have pledged to drop out if they don't secure the party's backing.
What we're watching: More dollars — including spending by outside groups — will likely flow to boost Republicans if the race still looks competitive come the fall.
In other political news...
💰 In Minneapolis' 5th Congressional District, Democrat Don Samuels raised about $400,000 for his repeat run against DFL U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar — a sum his campaign says is pacing ahead of his 2022 bid. He's got $232,500 cash on hand.
- As we reported last week, Omar raised $1.7 million and has a war chest of nearly $2.2 million.
Read more: MPR's Capitol View newsletter rounded up the toplines from filings for the rest of the federal races — including another big haul from GOP U.S. Rep. Tom Emmer, the majority whip.
🗳️ Anquam Mahamoud won the DFL endorsement for the South Minneapolis House seat opened up by state Rep. Hodan Hassan's upcoming departure.
- Former park board member Londel French, another well-known entrant for House District 62B, withdrew his candidacy after suffering a stroke.
👀 DFL Rep. Brion Curran is contesting the "no endorsement" outcome in a North Metro House District, citing an alleged "math discrepancy" that left them just under the 60% delegate threshold needed to win.
- Between the lines: Insiders see Curran, who pleaded guilty to a DWI charge last year, as one of the most vulnerable DFL incumbents in this year's primary election.
The White Bear Lake Democrat faces a challenge from Democrat T.J. Malaskee.
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].