2018 Minnesota Election Guide
Who's running in major races and where they stand on the issues
It’s been decades since Minnesota saw an election year as consequential as 2018. With an open race for governor, both U.S. Senate seats on the ballot, a handful of highly competitive U.S. House races, and control of the Legislature up for grabs, the decisions made by Minnesota voters this year will echo across state and national politics for many more to come.
The Star Tribune has invited candidates to participate in its online and printed election guides, asking them to provide information about themselves and views on top issues ahead of the Nov. 6 general election. You’ll find information in this guide about the candidates for the governor’s office and other statewide executive posts, along with the candidates for U.S. Senate and House.
Minnesotans don’t have to wait until Nov. 6 to vote; early voting begins on Sept. 21, at which point all eligible voters may obtain an absentee ballot through the mail or in person (Find your polling place here). Keep reading the Star Tribune for more coverage of campaigns and candidates right up to Election Day and continuing coverage after the votes are counted.
Follow our coverage of this campaign season by signing up to the Star Tribune's daily politics newsletter.
Governor
Tim Walz
Democratic-Farmer-Labor
I’m a teacher, a veteran and a football coach from Mankato. As congressman from southern Minnesota, I have a proven record of working across the aisle. I am committed to a One Minnesota agenda that gives everyone, no matter what they look like or where they are from, a great education and affordable health care.
Jeff Johnson
Republican
Born and raised in Detroit Lakes, graduated from Concordia College in Moorhead and Georgetown Law School. In 2001, started Midwest Employment Resources. In final term as Hennepin County commissioner. Served six years in the state House of Representatives and is the 2018 elected Republican candidate for governor.
Bio
I’m a teacher, a veteran and a football coach from Mankato. As congressman from southern Minnesota, I have a proven record of working across the aisle. I am committed to a One Minnesota agenda that gives everyone, no matter what they look like or where they are from, a great education and affordable health care.
Born and raised in Detroit Lakes, graduated from Concordia College in Moorhead and Georgetown Law School. In 2001, started Midwest Employment Resources. In final term as Hennepin County commissioner. Served six years in the state House of Representatives and is the 2018 elected Republican candidate for governor.
State spending
Walz: Says when Minnesota is in a strong fiscal position, that must be reflected in its communities. Calls for honest conversations about what are the priorities for education, health care and infrastructure in the state, and then smart investments to get there.
Johnson: Believes that government spends too much. Cites 54 percent increase in state spending in eight years, and says Minnesotans are taxed more than almost anyone in the United States. Audit state programs for effectiveness; fund those that work and end those that don’t.
Schools
Walz: Past work as high school teacher, coach and dad to public school students has shown him the importance of a good education. Would fully fund classrooms in all of the state. Supports access to pre-K, recruitment of quality teachers, expanded technical education.
Johnson: Says top-down education policy has failed and wants to free parents, teachers and students. That means rolling back mandates on schools, simplifying funding, giving parents more choice in where their children go to school and more freedom for teachers.
Guns
Walz: Notes background as sportsman and veteran, but says events of past few years has changed his view of gun laws. Supports assault weapons ban, closing gun show loophole, funding research into gun violence and instituting criminal background checks.
Johnson: Opposed to any new restrictions on guns, says it won’t solve the problems causing violence in society. Says discussion is needed about family breakdowns, mental illness, celebration of violence in pop culture and policies that ignore violent student behavior.
Refugees
Walz: Believes that refugees strengthen the state’s communities. Notes they have often left dangerous situations, and as legal workers are important to the state’s economy and society. Says thorough vetting needed but state must keep tradition of welcoming refugees.
Johnson: Says Minnesota has been much more generous than any other state regarding refugees, but that despite past success stories, resettlement program not working right now. Says state must end participation until it’s assessed for real costs and benefits to communities.
Health care
Walz: Calls for action to ensure every Minnesotan has access to high-quality, affordable health coverage. Would fight to lower the price of health care, increase price transparency, lower prescription costs and provide a public health care option through a MinnesotaCare buy-in.
Johnson: Wants to continue to protect those with pre-existing conditions while forcing more competition into the health care system. Says that would lead to more control over health care and choice in insurance. Calls DFL approach on health care the wrong direction.
Other candidates: Chris Wright & Judith Schwartzbacker (Grassroots - Legalize Cannabis), Josh Welter & Mary O'Connor (Libertarian)
U.S. Senate
Special election
Tina Smith(i)
Democrat
I came to Minnesota 34 years ago with my husband, Archie, to work at General Mills. We have two sons and two daughters-in-law. I got involved in politics by volunteering on local campaigns while I was a small-business owner. In the U.S. Senate I work to ensure Minnesotans have freedom and opportunity to live the lives they want.
Karin Housley
Republican
Born and raised in South St. Paul. Communications degree from State University of New York, owns and operates a real estate business. Married high school sweetheart Phil Housley, and lives in St. Marys Point. Four grown children, two grandsons. Elected to Minnesota Senate in 2012, chairs Aging and Long-Term Care Committee.
Bio
I came to Minnesota 34 years ago with my husband, Archie, to work at General Mills. We have two sons and two daughters-in-law. I got involved in politics by volunteering on local campaigns while I was a small-business owner. In the U.S. Senate I work to ensure Minnesotans have freedom and opportunity to live the lives they want.
Born and raised in South St. Paul. Communications degree from State University of New York, owns and operates a real estate business. Married high school sweetheart Phil Housley, and lives in St. Marys Point. Four grown children, two grandsons. Elected to Minnesota Senate in 2012, chairs Aging and Long-Term Care Committee.
Taxes
Smith: Sees job as doing what’s best for all, and says she’s working to find common ground and bipartisan solutions. That’s why she supports tax reform that makes families the priority rather than what she called huge giveaways to the richest Americans, large corporations.
Housley: Says she understands stifling effect of high taxes as a small-business owner. Says the 2017 GOP tax law brought historic unemployment and staggering job growth with positive effects in nearly all economic sectors. Thinks cuts must be made permanent.
National debt
Smith: Calls for parties to work together to address rising national debt in a responsible way, but not by cutting programs that hardworking Minnesotans depend on. That includes both Social Security and health care benefits vital to the well-being of many.
Housley: Believes debt and wasteful spending threaten future generations. Wants to balance budget, cut taxes and encourage innovation. Does not support privatizing Social Security, says bipartisan fix needed to protect benefits, avoid tax increases, keep retirement age.
Immigration
Smith: Says a fair immigration process needed to ensure the well-being of all families and prevent the wrong people from coming here. Voted for $25 billion increase in border security, supports tough but fair path to citizenship, solution for children brought to the U.S.
Housley: Says the U.S. was founded by immigrants and they continue to enrich nation, but fixes are needed to system if future economy is to thrive. First step is secure borders, additional enforcement at borders and ports of entry, streamlining immigration case backlog.
Health care
Smith: Opposed to repealing the ACA, says its many consumer protections still needed, especially for pre-existing conditions. Need to address the rising cost of health care including prescription medicine. Says big drug companies must be held accountable on those costs.
Housley: Thinks ACA caused premiums to skyrocket, reduced care quality. Solution must be patient-centered, market-driven. Let parents keep kids on plans, keep pre-existing protections. Increase transparency in care costs, promote generic prescriptions, sell across state lines.
Guns
Smith: Wants to pass what she calls common-sense gun reforms to help end gun violence. Has supported expanded background checks for all gun sales, and bans on bump stocks, assault weapons and high-capacity magazines. Ban convicted stalkers from buying firearms.
Housley: Calls right to bear arms fundamental to Constitution. Address violence by enforcing existing laws, preventing criminals and terrorists from instant access to guns. Improve mental health treatment. Supports reasonable bump stock ban, is open to further dialogue.
Other candidates: Sarah Wellington (Legal Marijuana Now), Jerry Trooien (unaffiliated)
General election
Amy Klobuchar(i)
Democrat
I’ve been guided by values I learned growing up in Minnesota. Serving in the U.S. Senate, I have one aim: a strong Minnesota. That’s why I work with Democrats and Republicans to strengthen our economy and support families, workers and businesses. In 2016, I was ranked first among all 100 senators for bills enacted into law.
Jim Newberger
Republican
Lifelong Minnesotan, Hopkins Lindbergh High School and St. Cloud State University graduate. Paramedic for 30 years at level I trauma center in Twin Cities. Christian Missions team leader. Becker Planning Commission for two years, state representative for three terms. Vice chairman, House Jobs and Energy Committee.
Bio
I’ve been guided by values I learned growing up in Minnesota. Serving in the U.S. Senate, I have one aim: a strong Minnesota. That’s why I work with Democrats and Republicans to strengthen our economy and support families, workers and businesses. In 2016, I was ranked first among all 100 senators for bills enacted into law.
Lifelong Minnesotan, Hopkins Lindbergh High School and St. Cloud State University graduate. Paramedic for 30 years at level I trauma center in Twin Cities. Christian Missions team leader. Becker Planning Commission for two years, state representative for three terms. Vice chairman, House Jobs and Energy Committee.
Taxes
Klobuchar: Supports bringing down business and middle-class tax rates, but not in a way that adds $1 trillion to national debt. Says tax changes should help the middle class, simplify the tax code, and bring back money that’s held overseas to fund infrastructure at home.
Newberger: Would make all 2017 tax cuts permanent, wants to repeal estate taxes, which he says would help families keep farms. Opposed to medical device taxes. Believes in lower taxes as a general principle, says it means Minnesotans get to keep more of their money.
National debt
Klobuchar: Does not back cuts or privatization of Social Security or Medicare. Will continue to push for legislation to promote sound tax policy, close loopholes, cut subsidies to oil companies, and a long-term plan to responsibly reduce debt.
Newberger: Says he would protect Social Security and Medicare, calls them promises made to voters that must be kept. Wants to address what he calls out-of-control waste, fraud and abuse. Work as paramedic has shown him importance of Medicare, but not Medicare for All.
Immigration
Klobuchar: Calls current immigration system broken and says it’s holding back the economy. Has worked to pass comprehensive reform that would include enhanced border security, an accountable pathway to earned citizenship, the DREAM Act, and reducing the debt.
Newberger: Supports the Mexico border wall, says borders should be secured. Promote legal immigration, end sanctuary city policies. Would shut down refugee resettlement program and work to bring down costs, give local communities input, vet refugees more thoroughly.
Health care
Klobuchar: Says Congress must improve, not repeal, the Affordable Care Act. Calls for federal reinsurance and cost-sharing to reduce premiums. Retain patient protections, such as keeping kids insured until age 26. Can’t go back to kicking people off insurance for pre-existing conditions.
Newberger: Would vote to repeal Affordable Care Act, replace it with a free market system. Says that would drive down costs and increase quality. Wants to stop overpricing of prescription drugs, give all Minnesotans the opportunity to be insured and restore MinnesotaCare as safety net.
Guns
Klobuchar: Would do more to keep communities safe while allowing law- abiding Americans to have guns. Supports universal background checks, closing the gun show loophole, and keeping guns from terrorists, stalkers and the mentally ill.
Newberger: Supports the Second Amendment and says he has the voting record to prove it. Says there is a mental health crisis but that it can be addressed without infringing on gun rights. Supports high school trap shooting leagues.
Other candidates: Paula Overby (Minnesota Green Party), Dennis Schuller (Legalize Marijuana Now)
U.S. House
District 1
Mankato, Rochester, Winona, Albert Lea, Austin, Owatonna, Worthingon, New Ulm
Dan Feehan
Democrat
Southern Minnesota native. Joined Army ROTC and served two tours in Iraq after 9/11. Taught middle school math and served in the Pentagon.
Jim Hagedorn
Republican
Born in Blue Earth. Former con gressional staffer and U.S. Department of Treasury employee, manager for southern Minnesota businesses.
Bio
Southern Minnesota native. Joined Army ROTC and served two tours in Iraq after 9/11. Taught middle school math and served in the Pentagon.
Born in Blue Earth. Former con gressional staffer and U.S. Department of Treasury employee, manager for southern Minnesota businesses.
Tariffs
Feehan: Farmers say tariffs are hurting them by closing markets. Congress needs to be more involved and the trade war must be ended.
Hagedorn: Does not favor tariffs as they are negative for some. Wants to work with President Donald Trump to improve trade policies.
Taxes
Feehan: Congress needs to provide real, direct tax relief to the middle class. Says 2017 tax bill gave most benefits to ultrawealthy.
Hagedorn: Supports 2017 tax bill, citing new jobs in Minnesota, tax cuts for families and reduced corporate taxes on state businesses.
National debt
Feehan: Don’t balance budget at expense of retirement security. Cut debt by ending 17-year, $5 trillion “perpetual war” following 9 /11.
Hagedorn: Does not support entitlement cuts — says those who have contributed to Medicare, Social Security must get promised benefits.
Immigration
Feehan: Comprehensive reform must strengthen borders and the economy. Minimize migration under dire circumstances.
Hagedorn: Supports border wall, merit based immigration, work programs, no “catch and release.” Against sanctuary cities.
Guns
Feehan: As a soldier/teacher, calls issue “personal.” Begin to end gun vio lence with research, bar violent criminals from getting guns.
Hagedorn: Against new limits on gun sales, saying they won’t reduce violence. Supports allowing service members to carry guns on bases.
District 2
Scott Co., Dakota Co., Goodhue Co., Wabasha Co., Cottage Grove, Burnsville, Red Wing
Angie Craig
Democrat
Raised by single mother in mobile home park. Put herself through college, rose to executive at St. Jude Medical. Lives in Eagan; she and her wife have four sons.
Jason Lewis(i)
Republican
Second year in Congress, on transportation, budget and education committees. Worked on criminal justice, reining in Met Council. Married with two daughters.
Bio
Raised by single mother in mobile home park. Put herself through college, rose to executive at St. Jude Medical. Lives in Eagan; she and her wife have four sons.
Second year in Congress, on transportation, budget and education committees. Worked on criminal justice, reining in Met Council. Married with two daughters.
Taxes
Craig: Says GOP tax law helped corporations, wealthiest. Wants middle class, working families, small business owners to see benefits.
Lewis: Says 2017 tax reform lifted economy, led to wage and job growth. Says the changes must be kept in place to preserve prosperity.
National debt
Craig: No cuts to Social Security, Medicare, which she says have been earned. Debt caused by tax cuts to corporations and the wealthy.
Lewis: Keep promise of Social Security, Medicare for those approaching retirement. Wants discussion about longterm solvency.
Immigration
Craig: Wants bipartisan bill with border security, path to citizenship for “Dreamers” and lawabiding immigrants, families intact.
Lewis: Favors complete overhaul of immigration system. Supports consensus measures that secures border, helps “Dreamers.”
Health care
Craig: Keep preexisting condition protections, fix the ACA and reduce costs of health care, especially the cost of prescription drugs.
Lewis: Wants to replace ACA, says it coerced people into expensive plans they didn’t want. Wants more choices, competition.
Guns
Craig: Fund federal gun violence research. Wants universal background checks, stop terrorists on no-fly lists from buying guns.
Lewis: Do a better job enforcing current gun laws, prosecute more who illegally purchase firearms. Improve background checks.
District 3
Bloomington, Brooklyn Park, Coon Rapids, Edina, Maple Grove, Plymouth, Wayzata
Dean Phillips
Democrat
Gold Star son, father of two, businessman. Growing up, taught the value of hard work. Collaborative approach, not accepting special interest money.
Erik Paulsen(i)
Republican
A voice on issues important to the state, a stronger economy and safe communities. He and his wife have four daughters. Played key role in passing GOP tax bill.
Bio
Gold Star son, father of two, businessman. Growing up, taught the value of hard work. Collaborative approach, not accepting special interest money.
A voice on issues important to the state, a stronger economy and safe communities. He and his wife have four daughters. Played key role in passing GOP tax bill.
Taxes
Phillips: Says not enough for middle class in 2017 tax bill. Make middle class cuts permanent by undoing estate tax, exemptions.
Paulsen: Believes tax bill unleashed economy; bigger paychecks and bonuses, low unemployment, new jobs, growth. No repeal.
National debt
Phillips: Honor promise of Social Security, Medicaid. Reduce health care costs, let wealthier retirees pass benefits to lower-income.
Paulsen: Stronger economy increasing tax revenue, Washington must address spending. Strengthen, secure Social Security, Medicare.
Immigration
Phillips: Immigration has been used to divide, parties share blame. Supports DREAM Act, secure borders, pathway to citizenship.
Paulsen: Need to modernize broken system. Split with party to boost border security, end family separations, protect DREAMers.
Health care
Phillips: Every American needs affordable, high-quality care. Fix and improve ACA, Medicare buy-in, prescription price negotiations.
Paulsen: ACA improved access for some but harmed more with higher premiums, deductibles. Bipartisan solution must address costs.
Guns
Phillips: Says action needed. Wants universal background checks, bar guns from domestic abusers, reinstate assault weapons ban.
Paulsen: Backs restrictions on firearm access for dangerous individuals, gun violence research, improved background checks.
District 4
Ramsey Co., St. Paul, Roseville, Maplewood, Woodbury, Lake Elmo, Mahtomedi
Betty McCollum(i)
Democrat
North St. Paul City Council, Minnesota House, second woman elected to Congress from state. Top Democrat on Interior-Environment spending committee.
Greg Ryan
Republican
Co-owns and has run a 67-year-old family heating and plumbing business in St. Paul for 34 years. Grandfather, great-grandfather were Minnesota legislators.
Bio
North St. Paul City Council, Minnesota House, second woman elected to Congress from state. Top Democrat on Interior-Environment spending committee.
Co-owns and has run a 67-year-old family heating and plumbing business in St. Paul for 34 years. Grandfather, great-grandfather were Minnesota legislators.
Taxes
McCollum: 2017 tax cuts benefit wealthy, deduction caps will cost Minnesotans. Replace with cuts to benefit middle class, small business.
Ryan: Republicans didn’t go far enough in 2017. Wants Congress to cut federal spending and use the savings to cut taxes further.
National debt
McCollum: Says Congress must work to strengthen Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid and food assistance.
Ryan: No entitlement cuts yet, but says budgets should be cut at the agencies that deliver benefits like Medicare, Social Security.
Immigration
McCollum: Need comprehensive reform, protect DREAM Act, no family separation. Resettle 75K refugees yearly, no border wall.
Ryan: Reduce the rate of legal immigration, make decisions based on merit. Work on filling jobs with more American workers.
Health care
McCollum: ACA is benefiting tens of millions of American and should be strengthened. Republican plans would cost 30 million coverage.
Ryan: Thinks the ACA was flawed from the get-go, caused problems at his business. Increase choices, sell plans across state lines.
Guns
McCollum: Ban assault weapons, high volume magazines, bump stocks. Waiting period for all gun sales, universal background checks.
Ryan: Says laws currently on the books are enough. States have the right to pass more restrictive laws but it’s not a federal role.
Other candidates: Susan Pendergast Sindt (Legalize Marijuana Now)
District 5
Minneapolis, Edina, Richfield, Crystal, Robbinsdale, Golden Valley, Fridley
Ilhan Omar
Democrat
I’m a working mom, a legislator, a refugee, a college graduate with student debt, an intersectional feminist and an organizer. Came to U.S. from Somalia at 12.
Jennifer Zielinski
Republican
I’ve lived in the Twin Cities my whole life. University of Minnesota graduate, works in health care. Community volunteer and Republican activist.
Bio
I’m a working mom, a legislator, a refugee, a college graduate with student debt, an intersectional feminist and an organizer. Came to U.S. from Somalia at 12.
I’ve lived in the Twin Cities my whole life. University of Minnesota graduate, works in health care. Community volunteer and Republican activist.
Taxes
Omar: Congress should repeal 2017 tax cuts, especially cuts to income, corporate and estate taxes. Says wealthiest saw most benefits.
Zielinski: Believes that Congress should not repeal any of the tax cuts that Republicans approved in 2017.
National debt
Omar: Would not support any cuts to Social Security, Medicare. Favors new investments in education, health care and infrastructure.
Zielinski: Says she would not support any cuts to entitlement programs such as Social Security or Medicare in order to balance budget.
Immigration
Omar: Abolish ICE, end deportation and detention, no border wall. Protect sanctuary policies, fight criminalization of immigration.
Zielinski: Start by enforcing current immigration laws, but would work to give anyone here undocumented a path to citizenship.
Health care
Omar: Affordable, quality health care is a right. Move toward single payer Medicare for All, including dental, vision, longterm care.
Zielinski: Not willing to vote to repeal the Affordable Care Act if there’s not a better solution in place to replace it.
Guns
Omar: Wants ban on assault weapons, high-capacity magazines. Universal background checks, funding for mental health treatment.
Zielinski: Does not support further lim its on guns; says the better approach is to enforce laws that are already on the books.
District 6
Benton Co., Carver Co., Sherburne Co., Wright Co., Anoka Co., St. Cloud, Hugo
Ian Todd
Democrat
Air Force veteran, geospatial intelligence analyst for six years. Firsttime candidate, running to combat greed, dishonesty and division in government.
Tom Emmer(i)
Republican
Grew up in Minnesota, law degree from William Mitchell. Second term in House, member of Financial Services and GOP leadership. Married, seven kids.
Bio
Air Force veteran, geospatial intelligence analyst for six years. Firsttime candidate, running to combat greed, dishonesty and division in government.
Grew up in Minnesota, law degree from William Mitchell. Second term in House, member of Financial Services and GOP leadership. Married, seven kids.
Taxes
Todd: Replace 2017 tax cuts with higher taxes on producers of income inequality, and more favorable treatment of small businesses.
Emmer: Tax cuts critical to economic comeback. Wages, consumer confidence up; unemployment low. Cuts should be permanent.
National debt
Todd: Protect entitlements. Repeal tax cuts instead, reduce incarceration, bring troops home, remove payroll cap on Social Security.
Emmer: Medicare, Social Security are critical and must be sustained. Protect these programs for seniors, the vulnerable.
Immigration
Todd: Need real path to citizenship for everyone who calls the U.S. home. Keep vetting in place but remove wasteful aspects.
Emmer: Base immigration on merit, not chance. Make legal immigration easier, restrict incentives to illegal immigration.
Health care
Todd: Work toward a better system of truly universal health care. Sup ports Medicare for All, don’t let companies easily deny coverage.
Emmer: Health care is too expensive and the ACA didn’t help. Too hard to get treatment for behavioral health conditions.
Guns
Todd: Calls for more robust universal background checks using electronic cataloging. Allow federal research into gun violence.
Emmer: Current law requires licensed dealers to initiate background checks. Database should include more complete records.
District 7
Moorhead, Fergus Falls, Alexandria, Willmar, Bemidji, Marshall, Hutchinson
Collin Peterson(i)
Democrat
MSU-Moorhead graduate, North Dakota National Guard. CPA and business owner before 1990 election to Congress. Ranking Democrat on House Agriculture.
Dave Hughes
Republican
A 21-year veteran of U.S. Air Force, served in Iraq, retired as a major. Works as instructor pilot for U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Married with seven kids.
Bio
MSU-Moorhead graduate, North Dakota National Guard. CPA and business owner before 1990 election to Congress. Ranking Democrat on House Agriculture.
A 21-year veteran of U.S. Air Force, served in Iraq, retired as a major. Works as instructor pilot for U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Married with seven kids.
Tariffs
Peterson: Blames the Trump administration for pushing farmers into trade war. Says farmers shouldn’t bear burden of other industries.
Hughes: Sees tariffs as a strong negotiating tool to secure fair, free markets for farmers and manufacturers. But must be short-term only.
Taxes
Peterson: Says 2017 tax bill didn’t help middle class, added to national debt and complicated taxes for many small businesses.
Hughes: Calls tax overhaul a meaningful win for western Minnesotans. Leave cuts in place, make them permanent and expand on them.
National debt
Peterson: Supports balanced budget amendment. Says Congress can reduce spending without raiding Social Security, Medicare.
Hughes: Secure Social Security, Medicare for current and future generations, but the only way to do that is balance the budget, reduce debt.
Immigration
Peterson: Wants immigration reform to address workforce shortage and border security. Sponsored legal help for farmers, small business.
Hughes: Supports Trump administration: secure borders, no sanctuary policies. A simpler system would help fix workforce issues.
Guns
Peterson: Any changes must truly reduce gun violence. Better background checks, pass red flag laws to keep guns from mentally ill.
Hughes: Opposed to any additional limits on gun sales from Congress. Says he is a strong supporter of Second Amendment.
District 8
Duluth, Grand Rapids, Hibbing, Brainerd, Little Falls, Cambridge, International Falls
Joe Radinovich
Democrat
I learned the value of hard work, compassion and overcoming adversity growing up in Crosby. Union organizer, state representative, IRRRB appointee.
Pete Stauber
Republican
From playing hockey to two-plus decades in law enforcement, I am a problem solver. My wife and our four children are a major reason I’m running.
Bio
I learned the value of hard work, compassion and overcoming adversity growing up in Crosby. Union organizer, state representative, IRRRB appointee.
From playing hockey to two-plus decades in law enforcement, I am a problem solver. My wife and our four children are a major reason I’m running.
Tariffs
Radinovich: Workers hurt by unfair trade but administration’s approach is overly broad. Mining jobs were already on the way back.
Stauber: Workers on the Iron Range can compete on an even playing field. Committed to reversing years of unfair trade policies.
Taxes
Radinovich: Repeal billions in tax cuts to wealthy and corporations. Use money for broadband, infrastructure, health care, education.
Stauber: Minnesota taxpayers are seeing relief from 2017 tax cuts, which also leveled the playing field for small business.
National debt
Radinovich: Protecting, strengthening Social Security and Medicare is top priority. Given tax cuts to wealthy, don't ask more from seniors.
Stauber: Medicare, Social Security benefits were earned and promised. Medicare for All proposal is too costly, would hurt seniors.
Immigration
Radinovich: Wants to work for bipartisan improvements. Bring people from shadows, improve visa process, efficient border security.
Stauber: Immigrants built, continue to enrich nation. To continue this, must fix system. First secure borders, support legal immigrants.
Guns
Radinovich: Wants universal background checks, ban on bump stock and high-capacity magazines, age of 21 to buy assault-style firearms.
Stauber: Committed to protecting the Second Amendment, which guarantees right of law-abiding citizens to keep or bear arms.
Other candidates: Ray "Skip" Sandman (Independence)
State Offices
Attorney General
Keith Ellison
Democratic-Farmer-Labor
Keith Ellison has served in Congress for 12 years, championing consumer, worker and civil rights protections. He worked 16 years as a trial attorney and oversaw the Legal Rights Center for low-income clients. Says he wants to be attorney general because working families need a fighter, and would work to make health care more affordable, ensure a fair economy, defend equal rights, and uphold the Constitution.
Doug Wardlow
Republican
Doug Wardlow earned a law degree from Georgetown University and clerked for the Minnesota Supreme Court. He worked against China’s practice of dumping steel. He wants to make Minnesota fair and safe, rebuild the AG’s criminal division, combat opioids and human trafficking, and protect against financial scams and fraud. Says he would fight illegal regulations that hurt job creators, farmers and laborers.
Bio
Keith Ellison has served in Congress for 12 years, championing consumer, worker and civil rights protections. He worked 16 years as a trial attorney and oversaw the Legal Rights Center for low-income clients. Says he wants to be attorney general because working families need a fighter, and would work to make health care more affordable, ensure a fair economy, defend equal rights, and uphold the Constitution.
Doug Wardlow earned a law degree from Georgetown University and clerked for the Minnesota Supreme Court. He worked against China’s practice of dumping steel. He wants to make Minnesota fair and safe, rebuild the AG’s criminal division, combat opioids and human trafficking, and protect against financial scams and fraud. Says he would fight illegal regulations that hurt job creators, farmers and laborers.
Other candidates: Noah M. Johnson (Grassroots - Legalize Cannabis)
Auditor
Julie Blaha
Democratic-Farmer-Labor
Julie Blaha is a former math teacher and statewide union treasurer who worked to get members clear, accurate financial information. As auditor she would focus on transparency, support local leaders with data and financial analysis, and partner with local communities. She says she would defend the need for real, unbiased data, and would fight against further efforts to privatize functions of the State Auditor’s office.
Pam Myhra
Republican
Pam Myhra is a CPA with an active license, a former audit manager with an international public accounting firm and a former two-term state representative. As auditor, would try to set the tone for effective financial audits and performance reviews of the use of government resources. Promises accountability, transparency and oversight of tax dollars. Backs the 2015 law that allowed counties to contract private firms for required audits.
Bio
Julie Blaha is a former math teacher and statewide union treasurer who worked to get members clear, accurate financial information. As auditor she would focus on transparency, support local leaders with data and financial analysis, and partner with local communities. She says she would defend the need for real, unbiased data, and would fight against further efforts to privatize functions of the State Auditor’s office.
Pam Myhra is a CPA with an active license, a former audit manager with an international public accounting firm and a former two-term state representative. As auditor, would try to set the tone for effective financial audits and performance reviews of the use of government resources. Promises accountability, transparency and oversight of tax dollars. Backs the 2015 law that allowed counties to contract private firms for required audits.
Other candidates: Michael Ford (Legal Marijuana Now), Chris Dock (Libertarian)
Secretary of State
Steve Simon(i)
Democratic-Farmer-Labor
Steve Simon took office as Secretary of State in 2015. He worked to protect the state election systems from foreign attacks, and helped the state return to the top in voter turnout. If re-elected, he would continue to champion voter rights and election reform, and secure the system from outside threats. Noting only 11 known fraudulent ballots out of three million cast in 2016, he calls Minnesota’s election system among the cleanest in the U.S.
John Howe
Republican
John Howe is a former corrections officer, loss prevention manager, firefighter and store owner, and a former mayor of and state senator from Red Wing. Would work to make Minnesota elections most secure in the nation, and to use office’s business licensing to enhance growth. Says extent of ineligible voting in Minnesota is unknown and that greater analysis is needed of the state’s level of election integrity.
Bio
Steve Simon took office as Secretary of State in 2015. He worked to protect the state election systems from foreign attacks, and helped the state return to the top in voter turnout. If re-elected, he would continue to champion voter rights and election reform, and secure the system from outside threats. Noting only 11 known fraudulent ballots out of three million cast in 2016, he calls Minnesota’s election system among the cleanest in the U.S.
John Howe is a former corrections officer, loss prevention manager, firefighter and store owner, and a former mayor of and state senator from Red Wing. Would work to make Minnesota elections most secure in the nation, and to use office’s business licensing to enhance growth. Says extent of ineligible voting in Minnesota is unknown and that greater analysis is needed of the state’s level of election integrity.
Other candidates: William Denney (Independence)
Credits
Contributors: Judy Keen, Jessie Van Berkel, Susan Hilliard, Patrick Condon
Design: C.J. Sinner
Development: C.J. Sinner, Alan Palazzolo
Photography: Glen Stubbe, Star Tribune; Provided by campaigns, Associated Press
Illustration: Tim Enthoven, Special to the Star Tribune