Minnesota precinct caucuses kick off 2026 endorsement battles
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Politically plugged-in Minnesotans will gather in schools, community centers and town buildings across the state Tuesday night for the DFL and GOP precinct caucuses.
Why it matters: The meetings kick off the race for coveted endorsements — a stamp of approval that can carry real weight with the base voters who decide each party's nominee.
How it works: Residents who want to participate can show up at 7pm at the designated local site for the side that aligns most closely with their political beliefs.
- Attendees debate resolutions and issues related to the party platforms, hear speeches from candidates and select delegates to represent their area in future conventions, including the ones where the endorsements are doled out.
- Eligibility rules vary for the two parties, but both the DFL and GOP require that delegates will turn 18 by Election Day.
State of play: DFL and MNGOP leaders told MPR News that they expect competitive races and heightened interest in immigration, fraud and other hot political issues to drive high turnout.
Governor: The November race shifted significantly last month, when Gov. Tim Walz scrapped plans to run for a third term and U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar entered the race in his place.
- The endorsement action is expected to be on the GOP side, where House Speaker Lisa Demuth, 2022 gubernatorial candidate Kendall Qualls and MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell have placed near the top of the crowded field in recent straw polls.
U.S. Senate: Tensions over ICE have brought even more attention to the heated DFL primary contest between U.S. Rep. Angie Craig and Lt. Gov Peggy Flanagan.
- The race is shaping up as a proxy battle between the more moderate (pro-Craig) and progressive (pro-Flanagan) factions of the Democratic Party, with national figures picking sides.
- Flanagan's bid got another big boost Monday, with an endorsement from retiring U.S. Sen. Tina Smith.
- Campaign finance reports, meanwhile, show Craig's campaign amassing a significant fundraising advantage.
On the GOP side, candidates include former sideline reporter Michele Tafoya, former Minnesota Republican Party chair David Hann, 2024 U.S. Senate nominee Royce White and former Navy SEAL Adam Schwarze.
- Tafoya has the backing of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, but her views on abortion and past comments on President Trump may imperil support from conservative activists who traditionally drive the endorsement.
2nd Congressional District: Both sides have competitive primaries for the suburban seat, which is open because of Craig's Senate run.
- Two-time nominee Tyler Kistner and state Sen. Eric Pratt lead the pack on the Republican side.
- State Sen. Matt Klein, former Sen. Matt Little and state Rep. Kaela Berg are vying for the DFL nod.
Between the lines: In recent elections, the endorsement has proved consequential for Republican primary races, with candidates agreeing to end their bids if they can't win delegates' backing.
- Those who have run without the endorsement have faced strong headwinds in the primary.
Yes, but: Several candidates in the GOP gubernatorial race have suggested they'll compete in the August primary either way.
What we're watching: A straw poll for the governor's race, along with Tuesday's release of campaign finance reports for candidates seeking state offices, will give a better sense of the frontrunners.
- Candidates who underperform on both fronts may feel more pressure to drop out.
What's next: The statewide conventions where gubernatorial and U.S. Senate endorsements are decided will take place the final weekend of May.
- Voters will decide the nominees in the Aug. 11 primaries.