It’s primary election day today (Tuesday), and there are some important decisions to be made as voters narrow the field of candidates in a number of races.
Among the main races across Minnesota are the primary races for U-S Senate. The seat is wide open as DFL Senator Tina Smith is not running for re-election. Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan, the endorsed DFL candidate, faces a major challenge from Angie Craig. There are also four other DFL’ers on the primary ballot. Meanwhile, the GOP ballot for U-S Senate features the endorsed candidate, Adam Schwarze, who is facing major challenges from Michele Tafoya and Royce White. There are also six other candidates in the race.
Voters in Wright County will also cast ballots in the primary race for their party of choice in the U-S 6th Congressional District. Incumbent Republican Congressman Tom Emmer of Delano is facing a challenge from Chris Corey and Mike Foley. The lone DFL candidate is Doug Chapin.
The governor’s race is an interesting one in 2026. DFL incumbent Tim Walz is not seeking another term. The DFL endorsed candidate is current U-S Senator Amy Klobuchar, though there are six other gubernatorial filers for the Democrats. For Republicans, Kendall Qualls is the endorsed candidate, but he faces some fierce competition from current Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth, and from longtime Minnesota businessman, Mike Lindell. There are also four other GOP candidates for governor on the primary ballot.
For the Minnesota Senate, DFL’ers in District 29 will choose between Louis McNutt and Dan Fiskum. Incumbent Michael Holmstrom, Jr. is running for re-election, and is the lone candidate for the GOP.
District 29B State Representative Marion (O’Neill) Rarick is un-opposed within the GOP as she runs for another term. DFL’ers in House District 29B will choose either Marcus Claxton or Colton Kratky.
For Minnesota Secretary of State, Republicans are choosing between Tad Jude and Wendy Phillips, while the DFL’ers lone candidate on the ballot is incumbent Steve Simon.
In the race for State Auditor, Scott Jensen, Will Finn, and Nate George are on the ballot for the GOP, while Zack Flipovich is alone on the DFL ballot for auditor.
Incumbent DFL Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison is challenged by David J. S. Madgett. Ronald J. Schultz is the lone GOP candidate for Attorney General.
There are two significant Wright County Commissioner races on today’s primary ballots depending on your voting district. In District 1, incumbent Tina Diedrick is not seeking re-election. Four candidates filed for the office, and that field will be narrowed to two candidates today. Christine Husom, Bradley Kurtz, Joe Paumen and Terry Strege all filed for District 1.
There is also a primary race for County Commissioner District 4, where incumbent Nadine Schoen is challenged by Joy Harken and Drew Scherber. Voters will narrow that field of three candidates to two for the November election as determined by today’s primary vote.
Voters are reminded that in a partisan primary, voters must vote for candidates of only one political party. In the November general election, voters may vote for any candidate of their choice no matter the political party.
Early voting has been available for several weeks, though traditional primary day voting will be at the regular polls today until 8 PM. For information on races, voting locations, and for a sample ballot, visit the Minnesota Secretary of State’s Office website at; www.sos.state.mn.us.
