2018 Minnesota gubernatorial election

See also: 2018 United States gubernatorial elections

The 2018 Minnesota gubernatorial election took place on November 6, to elect the 41st Governor of Minnesota as incumbent Democratic (DFL) Governor Mark Dayton chose not to run for re-election for a third term. The Democratic nominee was U.S. Representative Tim Walz from Minnesota's 1st congressional district while the Republican Party nominated Hennepin County commissioner Jeff Johnson for a second consecutive time. The Independence Party of Minnesota did not field a candidate for the first time since 1994. Going into the election polls showed Walz ahead; the race was characterized as lean or likely DFL.

2018 Minnesota gubernatorial election

← 2014 November 6, 2018 2022 →
Turnout	2,587,287 (63.6%) [a]
Nominee Tim Walz Jeff Johnson Party Democratic (DFL) Republican Running mate Peggy Flanagan Donna Bergstrom Popular vote 1,393,096 1,097,705 Percentage 53.84% 42.43%
County results Congressional district results Precinct results Walz:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%      >90% Johnson:      30–40%      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%      >90% Tie:      40–50%      50%      No votes
Governor before election Mark Dayton Democratic (DFL) Elected Governor Tim Walz Democratic (DFL)

Walz went on to defeat Johnson by the largest margin for a DFL candidate since 1986, receiving more votes than any other gubernatorial candidate in Minnesota history. This was the first Minnesota gubernatorial election since 1958 in which any party won more than two consecutive elections, as well as the first time since 1998 where the party of the incumbent president lost.

Democratic–Farmer–Labor primary

Candidates

Nominated

• Tim Walz, U.S. Representative^[2]
  • Running mate: Peggy Flanagan, State Representative^[3]

Eliminated in primary

• Tim Holden,^[4] real estate investor and candidate for Mayor of Saint Paul in 2017^[5]
  • Running mate: James P. Mellin II
• Erin Murphy, State Representative^[6]
  • Running mate: Erin Maye Quade, State Representative^[7]
• Olé Savior, perennial candidate^[4]
  • Running mate: Chris Edman
• Lori Swanson, Attorney General of Minnesota
  • Running mate: Rick Nolan, U.S. Representative^[8]

Withdrawn

• Paul Thissen, State Representative, former House Minority Leader, and former Speaker of the House^[9][10]
• Chris Coleman, former Mayor of Saint Paul^[11][12]
• Tina Liebling, State Representative^[13][14]
• Rebecca Otto, Minnesota State Auditor^[15]
  • Running mate: Zarina Baber, IT professional

Declined

• Tom Bakk, Minority Leader of the Minnesota Senate and candidate for governor in 2010^[16][17][18]
• Mark Dayton, incumbent governor^[19][20]
• Debra Hilstrom, state representative and candidate for Secretary of State in 2014 (running for Minnesota Attorney General)^[21][22]
• Amy Klobuchar, U.S. Senator (running for re-election)^[23]
• Rick Nolan, U.S. Representative^[24] (running for Lieutenant Governor)
• R. T. Rybak, former vice chair of the Democratic National Committee, former Mayor of Minneapolis and candidate for governor in 2010^[25][26][27]
• Tina Smith, U.S. Senator (running for re-election)^[16][28][29]

Endorsements

Erin Murphy (DFL)

• Mark Dayton, governor of Minnesota
• Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party

Labor unions

• SEIU Minnesota State Council
• Minnesota Nurses Association^[30]
• AFSCME Council 5
• IATSE Local 13^[31]

State elected officials

• Joan Growe, former Minnesota secretary of state
• Yvonne Prettner Solon, former Minnesota lieutenant governor and former state senator
• Ilhan Omar, state representative
• Mike Freiberg, state representative^[32]
• Mary Kunesh-Podein, state representative
• Rena Moran, state representative
• JoAnn Ward, state representative
• Sandra Masin, state representative
• Liz Olson, state representative
• Erin Maye Quade, state representative
• Carlos Mariani, state representative
• Tim Mahoney, state representative
• Raymond Dehn, state representative
• Erin Koegel, state representative
• David Bly, state representative
• Lyndon Carlson, state representative
• Linda Slocum, state representative
• Karen Clark, state representative
• Susan Allen, state representative
• Chris Eaton, state senator
• Ann Rest, state senator
• Sandy Pappas, state senator
• Melisa Franzen, state senator^[32]
• Matt Klein, state senator
• Erik Simonson, state senator
• Becky Lourey, former state senator
• Frank Hornstein, state representative
• Diane Loeffler, state representative
• Jen Schultz, state representative
• Carolyn Laine, state senator
• John Marty, state senator
• Mary Sawatzky, former state representative

Local officials

• Melvin Carter, mayor of Saint Paul
• Lisa Bender. Minneapolis City Council president
• Alondra Cano, Minneapolis City Council
• Mary Jo McGuire, Ramsey County commissioner
• Emily Larson, mayor of Duluth
• Gene Short, Currie City Council
• John Choi, Ramsey County Attorney
• Phillipe Cunningham, Minneapolis City Council
• Jeremiah Ellison, Minneapolis City Council
• Andrea Jenkins, Minneapolis City Council

National organizations

• EMILY's List
• National Nurses United
• CPD Action
• LGBTQ Victory Fund^[33]
• Color of Change PAC
• Our Revolution
• NARAL Pro-Choice America

Rebecca Otto (DFL)

State officials

• Tina Liebling, state representative, former 2018 gubernatorial candidate

Individuals

• Khizr Khan, Gold Star father

Lori Swanson (DFL)

Federal politicians

• Rick Nolan, U.S. representative and candidate for lieutenant governor on the same ticket

State elected officials

• Tom Bakk, state senator and minority leader
• David Tomassoni, state senator

Newspapers

• Mesabi Daily News (primary)
• International Falls Journal (primary)

Unions

• Teamsters, Local 120

Tim Walz (DFL)

Federal politicians

• Walter Mondale, former vice president, nominee for president in 1984, and former U.S. senator^[34]
• Collin Peterson, U.S. representative^[35]
• Betty McCollum, U.S. representative
• Denis McDonough, former chief of staff to President Barack Obama
• Max Cleland, former U.S. senator^[36]
• Barney Frank, former U.S. representative

Mayors

• Jacob Frey, mayor of Minneapolis^[37]
• Ardell Brede, mayor of Rochester
• Nora Slawik, mayor of Maplewood
• R. T. Rybak, former mayor of Minneapolis^[35]
• Elwin Tinklenberg, former mayor of Blaine

State elected officials

• Clark Johnson, state representative
• Rob Ecklund, state representative
• Cheryl Youakim, state representative
• Jack Considine, state representative
• Jamie Becker-Finn, state representative
• Paul Marquart, state representative
• Jeanne Poppe, state representative
• Duane Sauke, state representative
• Leon Lillie, state representative
• Mike Sundin, state representative
• Nick Frentz, state senator
• Jason Isaacson, state senator
• Jim Carlson, state senator
• Dan Sparks, state senator
• Chuck Wiger, state senator
• Greg Clausen, state senator
• Karla Bigham, state senator
• Tony Lourey, state senator
• Foung Hawj, state senator
• Dick Cohen, state senator
• Jeff Hayden, state senator
• Erik Simonson, state senator
• Susan Kent, state senator
• Ron Latz, state senator
• Matt Little, state senator
• Fue Lee, state representative^[38]
• Yvonne Selcer, former state representative
• Robin Brown, former state representative
• John Dorn, former state representative
• John Persell, former state representative
• Loren Solberg, former state representative
• Ted Suss, former state representative
• Ruth Johnson, former state representative
• Patti Fritz, former state representative
• Steve Kelley, former state senator
• Matt Schmit, former state senator
• Kevin Dahle, former state senator
• Rod Skoe, former state senator
• Tom Saxhaug, former state senator
• Kathy Sheran, former state senator
• Alice Johnson, former state senator
• Sharon Ropes, former state senator
• Roger Reinert, former state senator
• Terri Bonoff, former state senator
• Don Samuelson, former state senator
• Mark Ritchie, former Minnesota secretary of state

Individuals

• Wesley Clark, retired general, former Supreme Allied Commander of NATO, candidate for President of the United States in 2004^[39]
• Judy Shepard, board president of Matthew Shepard Foundation, LGBT-rights activist

Tribal nations

• Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe

Newspapers

• Duluth News Tribune^[40] (DFL Primary)
• Minneapolis Star Tribune^[41] (DFL Primary)

Labor unions

• Education Minnesota^[42]
• International Union of Operating Engineers^[43]
• Laborers' International Union of North America^[44]
• SMART Sheet Metal Workers Local 10 – Sheet Metal Workers' International Association^[45]
• United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America
• Minnesota State Council of Machinists – International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers
• Teamsters Joint Council 32 ^[46]
• IBEW – International Brotherhood of Electrical Engineers – Minnesota State Council
• MAPE – Minnesota Association of Professional Employees^[47]
• United Steelworkers
• Ironworkers Local 512 – International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers
• IUPAT Local 82 – International Union of Painters and Allied Trades
• UFCW Local 1189 – United Food and Commercial Workers
• Minnesota State Building & Construction Trades Council
• Roofers, Waterproofers & Allied Trades Local 96 – United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers and Allied Workers
• Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes
• Minneapolis Firefighters Local 82 – International Association of Fire Fighters
• SMART Transportation Division, UTU – United Transportation Union
• Minnesota Professional Firefighters – International Association of Fire Fighters
• American Federation of Government Employees^[48]

Organizations

• VoteVets.org

Polling

Poll source	Date(s) administered	Sample size	Margin of error	Erin Murphy	Lori Swanson	Tim Walz	Other	Undecided
Emerson College[49]	August 8–11, 2018	217	± 6.9%	19%	29%	28%	–	24%
Marist College[50]	July 15–19, 2018	439	± 5.6%	11%	28%	24%	1%	37%
GQR Research (D-Minnesota Victory PAC)[51]	June 25–27, 2018	602	–	17%	37%	29%	1%[52]	16%

Poll source	Date(s) administered	Sample size	Margin of error	Tom Bakk	Chris Coleman	Amy Klobuchar	Erin Murphy	Rebecca Otto	R. T. Rybak	Tina Smith	Lori Swanson	Tim Walz	Undecided
SurveyUSA[53]	November 17–19, 2016	–	–	1%	3%	25%	0%	1%	6%	1%	3%	5%	54%

Poll source	Date(s) administered	Sample size	Margin of error	Chris Coleman	Tina Liebling	Erin Murphy	Rebecca Otto	Lori Swanson	Paul Thissen	Tim Walz	Undecided
Mason-Dixon[54]	January 8–10, 2018	298	–	12%	2%	6%	9%	16%	4%	21%	30%

Poll source	Date(s) administered	Sample size	Margin of error	Erin Murphy	Rebecca Otto	Tim Walz	Other	Undecided
Expedition Strategies (D-Walz)[55]	April 23–26, 2018	600	± 4.0%	3%	19%	27%	2%	49%

Hypothetical polling

Straw poll

Straw poll ballot at the Minnesota DFL February 2018 precinct caucuses

On February 6, 2018, the DFL conducted a statewide straw poll among registered Democrats in Minnesota. Caucus-goers were scheduled to elect delegates to their party's Senate district and county conventions, which in turn will elect state convention delegates who will endorse candidates for governor, two U.S. Senate seats, attorney general, state auditor and secretary of state. Congressional district delegates will endorse U.S. House candidates. Since the straw poll the three lowest performing candidates withdrew from the race (Paul Thissen, Chris Coleman, and Tina Liebling).

Congressional Unit	Total attendance	Chris Coleman	Tina Liebling	Erin Murphy	Rebecca Otto	Paul Thissen	Tim Walz	Other	Uncommitted
1	2,577	71	355	107	232	56	1,558	4	163
2	3,501	384	202	411	656	120	1,156	4	523
3	4,291	670	202	386	827	186	1,362	8	530
4	6,072	854	297	1,111	1,227	139	1,384	11	897
5	9,519	1,019	457	1,400	1,462	537	2,363	30	1,137
6	2,375	326	115	294	587	59	590	4	375
7	2,121	124	106	274	405	172	761	4	273
8	3,873	441	277	474	1,082	263	759	8	527
Statewide	34,329	3,889	2,011	4,457	6,478	1,532	9,933	73	4,425
Percent	-	11.86%	6.13%	13.59%	19.75%	4.67%	30.29%	0.22%	13.49%

Results

Results by county

  Walz

•   30–40%
•   40–50%
•   50–60%
•   60–70%
•   70–80%

  Murphy

•   40–50%

  Swanson

•   30–40%
•   40–50%
•   50–60%

Results by congressional district

  Walz

•   40–50%
•   70–80%

  Murphy

•   40–50%

  Swanson

•   40–50%

Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party primary results

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Democratic (DFL)	Tim Walz	242,832	41.60%
	Democratic (DFL)	Erin Murphy	186,969	32.03%
	Democratic (DFL)	Lori Swanson	143,517	24.59%
	Democratic (DFL)	Tim Holden	6,398	1.10%
	Democratic (DFL)	Olé Savior	4,019	0.69%
Total votes			583,735	100.00%

Republican primary

Candidates

Nominated

• Jeff Johnson, Hennepin County Commissioner, former state representative, and nominee for governor in 2014^[56]
  • Running mate: Donna Bergstrom, retired Marine Corps intelligence officer^[57]

Eliminated in primary

• Mathew Kruse^[4]
  • Running mate: Theresa Loeffler
• Tim Pawlenty, former governor and candidate for President of the United States in 2012^[58]
  • Running mate: Michelle Fischbach, incumbent lieutenant governor^[59]

Withdrew

• Phillip Parrish, Naval Reserve intelligence officer and candidate for the U.S. Senate in 2014^[60]
• Mary Giuliani Stephens, mayor of Woodbury^[61][62]
  • Running mate: Jeff Backer, state representative^[63]
• Christopher Chamberlin^[64][65] (running for MN-05)
• Matt Dean, state representative^[66]
• Keith Downey, former chairman of the Republican Party of Minnesota and former state representative^[67][68]
• Blake Huffman, Ramsey County Commissioner^[69][70]
• David Osmek, state senator^[71]

Declined

• Sarah Anderson, state representative^[72]
• Michele Bachmann, former U.S. Representative and candidate for president in 2012^[73]
• Michelle Benson, state senator and candidate for lieutenant governor in 2014^[28][74]
• Kurt Daudt, Speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives (Endorsed Pawlenty) ^[28][74]
• Tom Emmer, U.S. Representative and nominee for governor in 2010^[75] (running for re-election)^[76]
• Karin Housley, state senator^[74] (running for the U.S. Senate)^[77]
• Amy Koch, former Majority Leader of the Minnesota Senate^[78][79]
• Mike Lindell, CEO of My Pillow^[80]
• Mike McFadden, businessman and nominee for the U.S. Senate in 2014^[28][74]
• Carla Nelson, state senator^[81][82]
• Erik Paulsen, U.S. Representative (running for re-election)^[28][74][83]
• Julie Rosen, state senator (endorsed Pawlenty)^[74][79]
• Rich Stanek, Hennepin County Sheriff and former state representative (running for reelection)^[28][84]

Endorsements

Tim Pawlenty

State officials

• Josh Heintzeman, state representative^[85]
• John Jasinski, state senator^[86]
• Steve Sviggum, former Speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives^[87]
• Kurt Zellers, former Speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives^[87]

Organizations

• Housing First Minnesota^[88]
• Associated Builders and Contractors^[89]
• Minnesota Chamber of Commerce^[90]
• Minnesota College Republicans^[91]
• Police Officers Federation of Minneapolis^[92]

Newspapers and publications

• Duluth News Tribune^[93]
• Star Tribune^[94]
• Mesabi Daily News^[95]

Polling

Poll source	Date(s) administered	Sample size	Margin of error	Jeff Johnson	Matt Kruse	Tim Pawlenty	Other	Undecided
Emerson College[96]	August 8–11, 2018	156	± 8.0%	34%	–	43%	–	23%
Marist College[50]	July 15–19, 2018	340	± 6.4%	32%	–	51%	1%	16%
BK Strategies (R)[97]	June 24–25, 2018	439	± 4.7%	20%	3%	54%	–	23%

Poll source	Date(s) administered	Sample size	Margin of error	Kurt Daudt	Keith Downey	Tom Emmer	Mike McFadden	Erik Paulsen	Tim Pawlenty	Rich Stanek	Undecided
SurveyUSA[53]	November 17–19, 2016	–	–	2%	1%	4%	2%	8%	19%	1%	64%

Poll source	Date(s) administered	Sample size	Margin of error	Kurt Daudt	Matt Dean	Keith Downey	Jeff Johnson	Julie Rosen	Mary G. Stephens	Undecided
Mason-Dixon[54]	January 8–10, 2018	218	–	12%	2%	1%	24%	4%	1%	54%

Hypothetical polling

Results

Results by county

  Johnson

•   40–50%
•   50–60%
•   60–70%
•   70–80%

  Pawlenty

•   40–50%
•   50–60%
•   60–70%

Results by congressional district

  Johnson

•   40–50%
•   50–60%

  Pawlenty

•   40–50%

Republican Party of Minnesota primary results

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Republican	Jeff Johnson	168,841	52.61%
	Republican	Tim Pawlenty	140,743	43.86%
	Republican	Mathew Kruse	11,330	3.53%
Total votes			320,914	100.00%

Third parties and independents

Candidates

Declared

• Josh Welter (Libertarian Party)^[4]
• Chris Wright (Grassroots–Legalize Cannabis Party), Grassroots Party nominee for governor in 1998, 2010 and 2014^[98][99]

General election

Predictions

Source	Ranking	As of
The Cook Political Report[100]	Likely D	October 26, 2018
The Washington Post[101]	Lean D	November 5, 2018
FiveThirtyEight[102]	Likely D	November 5, 2018
Rothenberg Political Report[103]	Likely D	November 1, 2018
Sabato's Crystal Ball[104]	Lean D	November 5, 2018
RealClearPolitics[105]	Lean D	November 4, 2018
Daily Kos[106]	Likely D	November 5, 2018
Fox News[107][b]	Lean D	November 5, 2018
Politico[108]	Likely D	November 5, 2018
Governing[109]	Lean D	November 5, 2018

Notes

1. Based on an estimated number of 4,064,389 eligible voters^[1]
2. The Fox News Midterm Power Rankings uniquely does not contain a category for Safe/Solid races

Debates

The debate season began only three days after the primaries with Johnson and Walz participating in two debates on Friday, August 17. A third debate was held Friday, August 31.^[110][111]

Host network/sponsors	Date	Link(s)	Participants
			Tim Walz (DFL)	Jeff Johnson (R)
MPR News	August 31, 2018	[111]	Invited	Invited
KSTP-TV	August 17, 2018	[112]	Invited	Invited
Twin Cities PBS (Almanac)	August 17, 2018	[113]	Invited	Invited

Endorsements

Jeff Johnson (R)

Federal officials

• Donald Trump, 45th president of the United States^[114]
• Mike Pence, 48th vice president of the United States^[115]
• Marco Rubio, U.S. senator from Florida^[32]
• Tom Emmer, U.S. representative and 2010 nominee for governor^[116]

Statewide and local officials

• Carol Molnau, former Minnesota lieutenant governor^[117]
• Matt Dean, state representative^[118]
• Tim Pawlenty, former governor of Minnesota^[119]
• Al Quie, former governor of Minnesota^[120]
• Michelle Benson, Minnesota state senator^[121]

Individuals

• Mike Lindell, conservative businessman and CEO of My Pillow^[122]

Organizations

• Minnesota Farm Bureau^[123]
• National Federation of Independent Business^[124]
• Police Officers Federation of Minneapolis^[125]

Tim Walz (DFL)

Federal officials

• Barack Obama, 44th president of the United States^[126]
• Walter Mondale, former vice president, nominee for president in 1984, and former U.S. senator^[34]
• Amy Klobuchar, U.S. senator^[127]
• Tina Smith, U.S. senator^[128]
• Collin Peterson, U.S. representative^[35]
• Betty McCollum, U.S. representative
• Rick Nolan, U.S. representative and former candidate for lieutenant governor^[129]
• Dennis McDonough, former chief of staff to Barack Obama
• Max Cleland, former U.S. senator^[36]

Newspapers

• Star Tribune (general election)
• Duluth News Tribune (general election)
• ECM Publishers
• Mesabi Daily News (general election)
• Winona Daily News (general election)
• Minnesota Daily (general election)

Mayors

• Eric Garcetti, mayor of Los Angeles^[130]
• Jacob Frey, mayor of Minneapolis^[37]
• Melvin Carter, mayor of St. Paul
• Rita Albrecht, mayor of Bemidji
• Emily Larson, mayor of Duluth
• Rick Cannata, mayor of Hibbing
• Bob Byrnes, mayor of Marshall
• Molly Cummings, mayor of Hopkins
• Mary Gaasch, mayor of Lauderdale
• Kirsten Hagen-Kennedy, mayor of North Branch
• Mike Kuhle, mayor of Worthington
• Mike Maguire, mayor of Eagan
• Rick Miller, mayor of Waite Park
• Harold Peterson, mayor of Blooming Prairie
• Sarah Schroeder, mayor of Spring Grove
• John Tuorilla, mayor of Columet
• Nancy Tyra-Lukens, mayor of Eden Prairie
• Ardell Brede, mayor of Rochester
• Nora Slawik, mayor of Maplewood
• Ben Schierer, mayor of Fergus Falls
• Jim Hovland, mayor of Edina
• Shep Harris, mayor of Golden Valley
• Gary Skalko, mayor of Mountain Iron
• Roy Srp, mayor of Waseca
• Myron Bailey, mayor of Cottage Grove
• Pat Baustian, mayor of Luverne
• Bob Broeder, mayor of Le Seur
• Ted Kozlowski, mayor of Stillwater
• Jack L'Heureux, mayor of Mora
• Charles Novak, mayor of Ely
• Mark Peterson, mayor of Winona
• Dennis Phelps, mayor of Westbrook
• Mike Poellinger, mayor of La Crescent
• Gary Skalko, mayor of Mountain Iron
• Dave Smiglewski, mayor of Granite Falls
• Tom Stiehm, mayor of Austin
• Robert Beussman, mayor of New Ulm
• R. T. Rybak, former mayor of Minneapolis^[35]
• El Tinklenberg, former mayor of Blaine

State and local officials

• Mark Dayton, governor of Minnesota
• Arne Carlson, former governor of Minnesota (R)
• Lori Swanson, Minnesota attorney general, former candidate for governor
• Erin Murphy, state representative, former candidate for governor
• Jennifer Schultz, state representative^[131]
• Clark Johnson, state representative
• Rob Eklund, state representative
• Cheryl Youakim, state representative
• Jack Considine, state representative
• Jamie Becker-Finn, state representative
• Paul Marquart, state representative
• Jeanne Poppe, state representative
• Duane Sauke, state representative
• Leon Lille, state representative
• Mike Sundin, state representative
• Tina Liebling, state representative and former candidate for governor
• Nick Frentz, state senator
• Jason Isaacson, state senator
• Jim Carlson, state senator
• Dan Sparks, state senator
• Chuck Wiger, state senator
• Greg Clausen, state senator
• Karla Bigham, state senator
• Tony Lourey, state senator
• Foung Hawj, state senator
• Dick Cohen, state senator
• Jeff Hayden, state senator
• Erik Simonson, state senator
• Susan Kent, state senator
• Ron Latz, state senator
• Matt Little, state senator
• Fue Lee, state representative^[38]
• Yvonne Selcer, former state representative
• Robin Brown, former state representative
• John Dorn, former state representative
• John Persell, former state representative
• Loren Solberg, former state representative
• Ted Suss, former state representative
• Ruth Johnson, former state representative
• Patti Fritz, former state representative
• Steve Kelley, former state senator
• Matt Schmit, former state senator
• Kevin Dahle, former state senator
• Rod Skoe, former state senator
• Tom Saxhaug, former state senator
• Kathy Sheran, former state senator
• Alice Johnson, former state senator
• Sharon Ropes, former state senator
• Roger Reinert, former state senator
• Terri Bonoff, former state senator
• Don Samuelson, former state senator
• Mark Ritchie, former Minnesota secretary of state

Local officials

• Noah Hobbs, Duluth City Council
• Renee Van Nett, Duluth City Council
• Andrew Johnson, Minneapolis City Council
• Abdi Warsame, Minneapolis City Council
• Linea Palmisano, Minneapolis City Council
• Michael Herring, Robbinsdale School Board
• David Boone, Robbinsdale School Board
• Pam Lindberg, Robbinsdale School Board
• Anne Casey, St. Louis Park School Board
• Mary Tomback, St. Louis Park School Board
• Karen Waters, St. Louis Park School Board
• Ken Morrison, St. Louis Park School Board
• Crystal Brakke, Richfield School Board
• Chris LaTondresse, Hopkins School Board
• Jen Bouchard, Hopkins School Board
• Betsy Tate Anderson, former Hopkins School Board
• Nancy Livingston, North St. Paul School Board
• Todd Rengo, Esko School Board
• Jim Grabowska, St. Clair School Board
• Dan Hartman, former Duluth Council
• Kevin Staunton, Edina City Council
• Joanie Clausen, Golden Valley Council
• Gillian Rosenquist, Golden Valley Council
• Katy Campbell, Hopkins Council
• Valerie Holthus, Andover City Council
• Christian Torkelson, Little Canada Council
• Mari Daily, Moorhead Council
• Nevada Littlewolf, Virginia City Council
• Randy Maluchnik, Carver County commissioner
• Vance Stuehrenberg, Blue Earth County commissioner
• Gordy Wagner, Pope County commissioner
• Reed Olson, Beltrami County commissioner
• Linda Higgins, Hennepin County commissioner

Individuals

• David Wellstone, son of late senator Paul Wellstone
• Wesley Clark, retired general, former Supreme Allied Commander of NATO^[39]
• Judy Shepard, board president of Matthew Shepard Foundation, LGBT-rights activist
• Ken Martin, chair of the Minnesota DFL Party

Tribal nations

• Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe

Unions

• Education Minnesota^[42]
• Inter Faculty Organization^[132]
• International Union of Operating Engineers – Local 49 ^[43]
• LiUNA! – Laborers' International Union of North America – Minnesota & North Dakota ^[44]
• SMART Sheet Metal Workers Local 10 – Sheet Metal Workers' International Association^[45]
• North Central States Regional Council of Carpenters – United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America
• Minnesota State Council of Machinists – International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers
• Teamsters Joint Council 32 ^[46]
• IBEW – International Brotherhood of Electrical Engineers – Minnesota State Council
• MAPE – Minnesota Association of Professional Employees^[47]
• United Steelworkers District 11 – USW
• Minnesota Pipe Trades
• Ironworkers Local 512 – International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers
• IUPAT Local 82 – International Union of Painters and Allied Trades
• UFCW Local 1189 – United Food and Commercial Workers
• Minnesota State Building & Construction Trades Council
• Roofers, Waterproofers & Allied Trades Local 96 – United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers and Allied Workers
• Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes
• Minneapolis Firefighters Local 82 – International Association of Fire Fighters
• SMART Transportation Division, UTU – United Transportation Union
• Minnesota Professional Firefighters – International Association of Fire Fighters
• American Federation of Government Employees^[48]
• Minnesota AFL–CIO
• AFSCME Council 5 – American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees
• Teamsters Local 120
• Service Employees International Union Minnesota

National organizations

• VoteVets.org
• NARAL Pro-Choice America – Minnesota chapter

Polling

Poll source	Date(s) administered	Sample size	Margin of error	Tim Walz (DFL)	Jeff Johnson (R)	Josh Welter (L)	Other	Undecided
Change Research[133]	November 2–4, 2018	953	–	53%	41%	2%	2%[134]	–
Research Co.[135]	November 1–3, 2018	450	± 4.6%	48%	42%	–	1%	9%
SurveyUSA[136]	October 29–31, 2018	600	± 5.3%	49%	41%	–	2%	9%
St. Cloud State University[137]	October 15–30, 2018	404	–	50%	34%	–	–	–
Mason-Dixon[138]	October 15–17, 2018	800	± 3.5%	45%	39%	3%	2%[134]	12%
Change Research[139]	October 12–13, 2018	1,413	–	47%	44%	3%	4%[140]	2%
Marist College[141]	September 30 – October 4, 2018	637 LV	± 4.9%	51%	36%	6%	<1%	6%
				55%	38%	–	<1%	7%
		860 RV	± 4.2%	49%	37%	7%	<1%	7%
				53%	39%	–	1%	8%
Mason-Dixon[142]	September 10–12, 2018	800	± 3.5%	45%	36%	1%	2%[134]	16%
SurveyUSA[143]	September 6–8, 2018	574	± 4.9%	47%	40%	–	3%	10%
Suffolk University[144]	August 17–20, 2018	500	± 4.4%	46%	41%	1%	1%[145]	12%
Emerson College[146]	August 8–11, 2018	500	± 4.6%	40%	33%	–	–	27%

Poll source	Date(s) administered	Sample size	Margin of error	Erin Murphy (D)	Tim Pawlenty (R)	Other	Undecided
Marist College[50]	July 15–19, 2018	876	± 4.0%	48%	40%	2%	9%

Poll source	Date(s) administered	Sample size	Margin of error	Lori Swanson (D)	Tim Pawlenty (R)	Other	Undecided
Emerson College[147]	August 8–11, 2018	500	± 4.6%	44%	36%	–	21%
Marist College[50]	July 15–19, 2018	876	± 4.0%	51%	40%	2%	7%
BK Strategies[148]	June 24–25, 2018	1,574	± 2.5%	46%	41%	–	13%

Poll source	Date(s) administered	Sample size	Margin of error	Tim Walz (D)	Tim Pawlenty (R)	Other	Undecided
Emerson College[149]	August 8–11, 2018	500	± 4.6%	44%	33%	–	23%
Marist College[50]	July 15–19, 2018	876	± 4.0%	51%	40%	1%	8%
BK Strategies[148]	June 24–25, 2018	1,574	± 2.5%	48%	41%	–	11%

Poll source	Date(s) administered	Sample size	Margin of error	Lori Swanson (D)	Jeff Johnson (R)	Undecided
Emerson College[150]	August 8–11, 2018	500	± 4.6%	37%	32%	31%

Poll source	Date(s) administered	Sample size	Margin of error	Generic Democrat	Generic Republican	Undecided
BK Strategies[148]	June 24–25, 2018	1,574	± 2.5%	48%	42%	10%
Public Policy Polling (D-A Better Minnesota)[151]	June 15–16, 2018	717	–	46%	39%	16%

Hypothetical polling

with Erin Murphy and Tim Pawlenty

with Lori Swanson and Tim Pawlenty

with Tim Walz and Tim Pawlenty

with Lori Swanson and Jeff Johnson

Results

Swing by county

Legend

•   Democratic — +>15%
•   Democratic — +12.5-15%
•   Democratic — +10-12.5%
•   Democratic — +7.5-10%
•   Democratic — +5-7.5%
•   Democratic — +2.5-5%
•   Democratic — +0-2.5%
•   Republican — +0-2.5%
•   Republican — +2.5-5%
•   Republican — +5-7.5%
•   Republican — +7.5-10%
•   Republican — +10-12.5%
•   Republican — +12.5-15%
•   Republican — +>15%

Trend by county

Legend

•   Democratic — +>15%
•   Democratic — +12.5-15%
•   Democratic — +10-12.5%
•   Democratic — +7.5-10%
•   Democratic — +5-7.5%
•   Democratic — +2.5-5%
•   Democratic — +0-2.5%
•   Republican — +0-2.5%
•   Republican — +2.5-5%
•   Republican — +5-7.5%
•   Republican — +7.5-10%
•   Republican — +10-12.5%
•   Republican — +12.5-15%
•   Republican — +>15%

2018 Minnesota gubernatorial election^[152]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%	±%
	Democratic (DFL)	Tim Walz	1,393,096	53.84%	+3.77%
	Republican	Jeff Johnson	1,097,705	42.43%	−2.08%
	Grassroots—LC	Chris Wright	68,667	2.65%	+1.07%
	Libertarian	Josh Welter	26,735	1.03%	+0.11%
	Write-in		1,084	0.04%	0.00%
Total votes			2,587,287	100.00%	N/A
	Democratic (DFL) hold

Counties that flipped from Democratic to Republican

• Aitkin (largest city: Aitkin)
• Big Stone (largest city: Ortonville)
• Chippewa (largest city: Montevideo)
• Grant (largest city: Elbow Lake)
• Itasca (largest city: Grand Rapids)
• Kittson (largest city: Hallock)
• Lac qui Parle (largest city: Madison)
• Marshall (largest city: Warren)
• Norman (largest city: Ada) (became tied)
• Pennington (largest city: Thief River Falls)
• Pine (largest city: Pine City)
• Pope (largest city: Glenwood)
• Red Lake (largest city: Red Lake Falls)
• Stevens (largest city: Morris)
• Swift (largest city: Benson)
• Traverse (largest city: Wheaton)
• Watonwan (largest city: St. James)

Counties that flipped from Republican to Democratic

• Anoka (largest city: Blaine)
• Dakota (largest city: Lakeville)
• Olmsted (largest city: Rochester)
• Washington (largest city: Woodbury)

By congressional district

Walz won 5 of 8 congressional districts. Each candidate won a district won by the other party.^[153]

District	Walz	Johnson	Representative
1st	49.54%	47.18%	Jim Hagedorn
2nd	51.52%	44.58%	Angie Craig
3rd	54.44%	42.37%	Dean Phillips
4th	65.72%	30.56%	Betty McCollum
5th	77.91%	18.17%	Ilhan Omar
6th	40.53%	55.49%	Tom Emmer
7th	39.56%	56.86%	Collin Peterson
8th	47.14%	48.93%	Pete Stauber

Voter demographics

Edison Research exit poll

Demographic subgroup	Walz	Johnson	No Answer	% of Voters
Gender
Men	48	49	3	46
Women	59	37	4	54
Age
18–24 years old	71	25	4	6
25–29 years old	63	34	3	5
30–39 years old	60	38	2	12
40–49 years old	51	46	3	13
50–64 years old	54	45	1	29
65 and older	52	46	2	35
Race
White	53	46	1	89
Black	84	14	2	5
Latino	N/A	N/A	N/A	3
Asian	N/A	N/A	N/A	2
Other	N/A	N/A	N/A	2
Race by gender
White men	46	53	1	41
White women	59	39	2	48
Black men	N/A	N/A	N/A	3
Black women	N/A	N/A	N/A	2
Latino men	N/A	N/A	N/A	1
Latino women	N/A	N/A	N/A	1
Others	N/A	N/A	N/A	3
Education
High school or less	52	45	3	17
Some college education	48	49	3	24
Associate degree	48	49	3	17
Bachelor's degree	56	40	4	26
Advanced degree	70	28	2	16
Education and race
White college graduates	61	35	4	38
White no college degree	46	51	3	51
Non-white college graduates	70	26	4	4
Non-white no college degree	74	23	3	7
Whites by education and gender
White women with college degrees	68	29	3	21
White women without college degrees	51	45	4	28
White men with college degrees	54	43	3	17
White men without college degrees	40	58	2	23
Non-whites	73	24	3	11
Income
Under $30,000	63	34	3	14
$30,000–49,999	54	43	3	21
$50,000–99,999	48	51	1	36
$100,000–199,999	55	42	3	23
Over $200,000	N/A	N/A	N/A	7
Party ID
Democrats	95	5	N/A	39
Republicans	10	90	N/A	32
Independents	51	42	7	28
Party by gender
Democratic men	94	5	1	14
Democratic women	95	4	1	25
Republican men	8	92	N/A	16
Republican women	12	88	N/A	17
Independent men	47	48	5	16
Independent women	58	34	8	13
Ideology
Liberals	94	2	4	27
Moderates	65	32	3	39
Conservatives	10	87	3	33
Marital status
Married	47	49	4	68
Unmarried	63	33	4	32
Gender by marital status
Married men	43	54	3	31
Married women	51	45	4	36
Unmarried men	52	43	5	15
Unmarried women	72	24	4	18
First-time midterm election voter
Yes	52	44	4	12
No	55	42	3	88
Most important issue facing the country
Health care	74	24	2	50
Immigration	20	79	1	22
Economy	30	67	3	18
Gun policy	N/A	N/A	N/A	8
Area type
Urban	67	30	3	40
Suburban	50	46	4	32
Rural	41	56	3	28
Source: CNN[154]

See also

• 2018 Minnesota elections
• 2018 Minnesota House of Representatives election
• 2018 United States House of Representatives elections in Minnesota
• 2018 United States Senate special election in Minnesota
• 2018 United States Senate election in Minnesota

Notes

References

1. "Minnesota Secretary of State - Historical Voter Turnout Statistics".
2. Carlson, Heather J. (March 27, 2017). "Democrat Walz to run for governor". Post-Bulletin. Archived from the original on March 27, 2017. Retrieved March 27, 2017.
3. Coolican, J. Patrick (October 5, 2017). "DFL candidate for governor Tim Walz picks Peggy Flanagan, state representative from Twin Cities, as running mate". Star Tribune. Retrieved October 5, 2017.
4. "Candidate Filings". candidates.sos.state.mn.us. Retrieved August 18, 2018.
5. "Investor says he's selling St. Paul properties to run for mayor". Twin Cities. 2017-03-22. Retrieved 2018-06-19.
6. Stassen-Berger, Rachel E. (November 17, 2016). "St. Paul Rep. Erin Murphy announces run for MN governor". St. Paul Pioneer Press. Retrieved November 17, 2016.
7. "Erin Murphy taps Erin Maye Quade as running mate in race for governor". WCCO-TV. June 3, 2018. Retrieved June 3, 2018.
8. Coolican, J. Patrick; Golden, Erin (June 4, 2017). "Attorney General Lori Swanson joins governor's race". Star Tribune. Retrieved June 4, 2018.
9. Van Berkel, Jessie (February 7, 2018). "State Rep. Paul Thissen drops out of Minnesota governor's race". Minneapolis Star Tribune. Retrieved 2018-02-07.
10. Coolican, J. Patrick (June 14, 2017). "Former Minnesota DFL House Speaker Paul Thissen to run for governor". Minneapolis Star Tribune. Archived from the original on June 15, 2017. Retrieved June 15, 2017.
11. "St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman to run for governor in 2018 – Twin Cities". December 13, 2016. Retrieved 2016-12-13.
12. "Coleman withdraws from governor's race". February 12, 2018. Retrieved 2018-02-12.
13. Stassen-Berger, Rachel E. (April 2, 2017). "With detailed policy focus, Democrat Tina Liebling to run for governor". St. Paul Pioneer Press. Retrieved April 2, 2017.
14. Magan, Christopher (March 12, 2018). "DFL Rep. Tina Liebling drops out of governor's race". St. Paul Pioneer Press. Retrieved March 12, 2018.
15. "State Auditor Rebecca Otto Withdraws Campaign For Governor". CBS Minnesota. June 4, 2018. Archived from the original on June 15, 2018. Retrieved June 5, 2018.
16. Condon, Patrick (November 22, 2014). "Handicapping the next race for governor: the DFLers". Star Tribune. Retrieved March 6, 2015.
17. Hanna, Bill (January 23, 2016). "Sen. Bakk Holds Caucus Together, While Also Reaching Across Political Aisle". Mesabi Daily News. Retrieved June 21, 2016.
18. The Timberjay. Quote: "Bakk said he had been considering his own bid for governor had the party failed to endorse a candidate, but he said the recent announcement by Republican Sen. Michelle Fischbach to resign her Senate seat to run with Tim Pawlenty helped to clarify his priorities."
19. "Minnesota governor 2018: A who's who of possible candidates". Minnesota Public Radio. Associated Press. November 21, 2016. Retrieved February 20, 2018. ...as both parties aim to replace Gov. Mark Dayton, who has said he won't seek a third term.
20. Shepard, Steven (February 9, 2018). "Minnesota Rep. Nolan won't run for reelection". Politico. Retrieved February 20, 2018. Gov. Mark Dayton — himself a former senator — isn't seeking a third term.
21. Kayser, Zach (May 1, 2017). "Crow Wing County DFL convenes, thinks 2018". Brainerd Dispatch. Archived from the original on July 1, 2017. Retrieved May 1, 2017.
22. "DFL Rep. Debra Hilstrom joins Minn. attorney general race". Star Tribune. Retrieved 2017-12-29.
23. Sherry, Allison (December 25, 2016). "Klobuchar will run again for Senate, rules herself out for governor's race". Star Tribune. Retrieved December 26, 2016.
24. Coolican, J. Patrick (June 2, 2017). "U.S. Rep. Rick Nolan running for re-election, not for governor". Star Tribune. Retrieved June 2, 2017.
25. Melo, Frederick (September 18, 2015). "Is a gubernatorial run next for St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman?". St. Paul Pioneer Press. Retrieved September 19, 2016.
26. Kimball, Joe (May 4, 2016). "Q&A: R.T. Rybak on his new gig at the Minneapolis Foundation — and whether or not he'll run for governor". MinnPost. Retrieved September 19, 2016.
27. Ode, Kim (May 18, 2016). "R.T. Rybak says he's here to stay, in a city he loves like a middle-schooler's crush". Star Tribune. Retrieved September 19, 2016.
28. Stassen-Berger, Rachel E. (September 1, 2015). "It's really not too early to think about 2018. Is it?". St. Paul Pioneer Press. Retrieved June 21, 2016.
29. Lopez, Ricardo (March 17, 2017). "Lt. Gov. Tina Smith will not run for Minnesota governor in 2018". Star Tribune. Retrieved March 17, 2017.
30. Coolican, J. Patrick (September 20, 2017). "Minnesota Nurses Association endorses Rep. Erin Murphy for governor". StarTribune.com. Minneapolis Star Tribune.
31. "Erin Murphy". facebook.com. Retrieved August 18, 2018.
32. "Marco Rubio Endorses Jeff Johnson For Minnesota Gov". October 24, 2017. Retrieved October 24, 2017.
33. LBTQ Victory Fund endorsed Erin Maye Quade for Lieutenant Governor "Victory Fund Endorses 16 More LGBTQ Candidates for 2018, Including Two Historic Statewide Candidates". Victory Fund. 2018-07-24. Retrieved 2018-07-25.
34. [e-mail], Heather J. Carlson (September 25, 2017). "Political Notebook: Nelson decision coming soon?". Retrieved May 22, 2018.
35. "Congressman Collin Peterson and R.T. Rybak Support Tim!". Tim Walz for Governor. April 4, 2017. Archived from the original on May 11, 2017. Retrieved May 10, 2017.
36. "Tim Walz". facebook.com. Retrieved May 22, 2018.
37. Jacob Frey. "After I sat down with @Tim_Walz & @peggyflanagan months ago to talk about the election, I knew who I wanted to lead Minnesota. I'm THRILLED that they're leading our ticket. I can't wait for them to win in November & I can't wait to have such strong allies in the Governor's office". Twitter.
38. Fue Lee. "Kicking off the Weekend of Action for the @Tim_Walz-@peggyflanagan Campaign at the @MinnesotaDFL North Minneapolis Office. Thank you @MNSteveSimon for the opening #OneMinnesota #MNVotesEarly #BeAVoter". Twitter.
39. "Twitter". twitter.com. Retrieved May 22, 2018.
40. "Our View / Endorsement: DFLers have a leader in Walz". Duluth News Tribune. August 2, 2018.
41. "Star Tribune endorsement for governor in DFL Primary: Tim Walz". Star Tribune. August 3, 2018.^{[permanent dead link‍]}
42. "Education Minnesota Endorses Tim Walz For Governor". Tim Walz for Governor. May 19, 2018. Archived from the original on May 23, 2018. Retrieved May 21, 2018.
43. "Operating Engineers Local 49 Endorses Tim Walz For Governor!". Tim Walz for Governor. February 6, 2018. Retrieved April 10, 2018.
44. "LiUNA! Minnesota and North Dakota Endorses Tim Walz For Governor!". Tim Walz for Governor. February 8, 2018. Retrieved April 10, 2018.
45. "Sheet Metal Workers Local 10 Union Endorses Tim Walz For Governor & Peggy Flanagan for Lt. Governor". Tim Walz for Governor. February 12, 2018. Retrieved April 10, 2018.
46. "Teamsters Joint Council 32 Endorses Tim Walz For Minnesota Governor!". Tim Walz for Governor. February 28, 2018. Archived from the original on April 11, 2018. Retrieved April 10, 2018.
47. "MAPE Endorses Tim Walz For Governor!". Tim Walz for Governor. April 3, 2018. Archived from the original on April 11, 2018. Retrieved April 10, 2018.
48. "AFGE Endorses Minnesota's Tim Walz for Governor". Tim Walz for Governor. June 18, 2018. Retrieved June 18, 2018.
49. Emerson College Archived 2018-08-15 at the Wayback Machine
50. Marist College
51. GQR Research (D-Minnesota Victory PAC)
52. Tim Holden and Olé Savior with 0%, other 1%
53. SurveyUSA Archived 2017-11-16 at the Wayback Machine
54. Mason-Dixon
55. Expedition Strategies (D-Walz)
56. Stassen-Berger, Rachel E. (May 10, 2017). "Echoing Trump's populist message, Jeff Johnson enters race for governor". St. Paul Pioneer Press. Retrieved May 10, 2017.
57. Van Berkel, Jessie (May 14, 2018). "Jeff Johnson picks Donna Bergstrom as running mate in governor's race". Star Tribune. Retrieved May 14, 2018.
58. Coolican, J. Patrick (April 5, 2018). "Tim Pawlenty makes it official: He's running for governor again". Star Tribune. Retrieved April 5, 2018.
59. Coolican, J Patrick (May 31, 2018). "Pawlenty picks Fischbach as running mate". Star Tribune. Retrieved May 31, 2018.
60. Morris, William (March 21, 2017). "Former Medford man launches run for governor". Owatonna People's Press. Retrieved August 22, 2017.
61. "Woodbury mayor files to run for governor as Republican". Minneapolis Star Tribune. Archived from the original on 2017-11-30. Retrieved 2017-11-29.
62. "GOP endorses Jeff Johnson for Governor". Kare 11. June 2, 2018.
63. "Giuliani Stephens names Backer to ticket in GOP governor bid". Star Tribune. May 2, 2018. Archived from the original on May 5, 2018. Retrieved May 4, 2018.
64. Lease, Lawrence (December 31, 2016). "MN native Christopher Chamberlin running for governor in 2018". News Record. Retrieved December 31, 2016.
65. Pugmire, Tim (December 7, 2017). "As Dayton weighs Franken replacement, who may run in 2018?". Minnesota Public Radio. Retrieved December 7, 2017.
66. The Associated Press, "Republican Matt Dean Is No Longer Running For Governor", WCCO, January 25, 2018. Retrieved January 25, 2018.
67. Stassen-Berger, Rachel E. (July 24, 2017). "Keith Downey, former GOP chair, is running for governor with the message: 'I believe in you.'". St. Paul Pioneer Press. Retrieved August 22, 2017.
68. Salisbury, Bill (April 18, 2018). "Keith Downey, former MN GOP chairman, drops out of governor's race". St. Paul Pioneer Press. Retrieved April 18, 2018.
69. "Ramsey County Commissioner Blake Huffman to run for governor". St. Paul Pioneer Press. April 18, 2017. Retrieved April 19, 2017.
70. Stassen-Berger, Rachel E. (September 3, 2017). "Ramsey County's Blake Huffman withdraws from race for MN governor". St. Paul Pioneer Press. Retrieved September 5, 2017.
71. The Associated Press (January 8, 2018). "David Osmek says his campaign for Minnesota governor is over". twincities.com. Retrieved January 8, 2018.
72. Coolican, J. Patrick (February 18, 2017). "Rep. Sarah Anderson: A name for the 2018 statewide mix?". Star Tribune. Retrieved February 24, 2017.
73. Montgomery, David (July 19, 2017). "Michele Bachmann warns about 'radical Islam'". St. Paul Pioneer Press. Retrieved July 20, 2017.
74. Lopez, Ricardo (November 29, 2014). "Handicapping the next race for governor: The Republicans". Star Tribune. Retrieved March 6, 2015.
75. Montgomery, David (December 5, 2016). "GOP hopefuls for governor seek support from party". Austin Daily Herald. Retrieved December 6, 2016.
76. Dillon, Nora (May 25, 2018). "Emmer Files For Reelection". emmerforcongress.com. Retrieved June 1, 2018.
77. "Karin Housley pulls in $514K for Senate race; businessman Jerry Trooien to enter fray". April 13, 2018. Retrieved June 1, 2018.
78. "Morning Digest: GOP poll gives Tammy Baldwin an early double-digit lead in Wisconsin Senate race". Daily Kos Elections. February 23, 2017. Retrieved February 24, 2017.
79. Golden, Erin (September 9, 2017). "Republican women consider runs for Minnesota office — but so far, few pulling trigger". Star Tribune. Retrieved 2017-09-19.
80. "Pillow mogul Mike Lindell denies report he is considering run for governor". Star Tribune. January 17, 2017. Retrieved May 22, 2018.
81. Carlson, Heather J. (June 7, 2017). "Miller out, but plenty of other GOPers mull 1st District bids". Post-Bulletin. Retrieved June 13, 2017.
82. Carlson, Heather J. (October 2, 2017). "Nelson running for Congress". Post-Bulletin. Archived from the original on October 3, 2017. Retrieved October 2, 2017.
83. "Talking Points: Erik Paulsen & The 2018 Election". September 24, 2017. Retrieved June 1, 2018.
84. Coolican, J. Patrick (May 21, 2017). "Sheriff Rich Stanek running for re-election, not governor, in 2018". Minneapolis Star-Tribune. Archived from the original on May 21, 2017. Retrieved May 22, 2017.
85. "State Rep. Josh Heintzeman endorses Pawlenty-Fischbach for Governor/Lt. Governor". Tim Pawlenty for Governor. June 25, 2018.^{[permanent dead link‍]}
86. Tim Pawlenty for Governor. "It's great to see one of our supporters, @SenatorJasinski, out promoting the Pawlenty-Fischbach ticket in Faribault! Don't forget to vote on Tuesday, August 14th! 🇺🇸 #mngov". Twitter.
87. "Two former GOP Speakers of the Minnesota House endorse Pawlenty and Fischbach". Tim Pawlenty for Governor. June 11, 2018.^{[permanent dead link‍]}
88. "Housing First Minnesota Endorses Tim Pawlenty for Governor". Housing First Minnesota. May 31, 2018.^{[permanent dead link‍]}
89. "Associated Builders and Contractors Endorses Tim Pawlenty for Governor". Tim Pawlenty for Governor. June 28, 2018.^{[permanent dead link‍]}
90. "Minnesota Chamber Leadership Fund PAC endorses Pawlenty for governor". Tim Pawlenty for Governor. July 2, 2018.^{[permanent dead link‍]}
91. Minnesota College Republicans. "MNCRs endorse @TPaw2018 for Governor!". Twitter.
92. "Police Officers Federation of Minneapolis endorses Pawlenty-Fischbach for Governor/Lt. Governor". Tim Pawlenty for Governor. July 18, 2018. Archived from the original on July 22, 2018. Retrieved July 19, 2018.
93. "Our View / Endorsement: Pawlenty gives Republicans best shot". Duluth News Tribune. August 1, 2018.
94. "Star Tribune endorsement for governor in GOP primary: Tim Pawlenty". Star Tribune. August 4, 2018.
95. "ENDORSEMENT: PAWLENTY IS GOP'S TICKET BACK TO THE GOVERNOR'S MANSION". Mesabi Daily News. August 9, 2018.
96. Emerson College Archived 2018-08-15 at the Wayback Machine
97. BK Strategies (R) Archived 2018-06-29 at the Wayback Machine
98. Dickson, Janiese (May 10, 2017). "Politicians and citizens implore Minnesotans to legalize marijuana at 4/20 rally". City College News.
99. Golden, Erin (June 16, 2018). "Legal pot advocates join Minnesota races for state, federal offices". Star Tribune. Retrieved June 17, 2018.
100. "2018 Governor Race Ratings for October 26, 2018". The Cook Political Report. Retrieved 2021-04-10.
101. "The Washington Post's gubernatorial race ratings". The Washington Post. October 16, 2018.
102. "2018 Governor Forecast | FiveThirtyEight". FiveThirtyEight. October 17, 2018. Retrieved October 17, 2018.
103. "2018 Gubernatorial Ratings". Inside Elections. Retrieved 2017-11-15.
104. "Larry J. Sabato's Crystal Ball » 2018 Governor". www.centerforpolitics.org. Retrieved 2017-11-15.
105. "2018 Governor Races". RealClearPolitics. October 9, 2018.
106. "2018 Governor Race Ratings". Daily Kos. June 5, 2018.^{[permanent dead link‍]}
107. "2018 Midterm Power Ranking". Fox News. October 10, 2021.
108. "Politico Race Ratings". Politico.
109. "2018 Governor Elections: As November Nears, More Governors' Races Become Tossups". www.governing.com. Archived from the original on October 21, 2018. Retrieved 2018-07-18.
110. "Debates get race for Minnesota governor off to a roaring start". Star Tribune. August 18, 2018.
111. "Johnson, Walz spar at State Fair governor's debate". August 31, 2018.
112. "Johnson, Walz Participate in First Debate in Nisswa | KSTP.com". Archived from the original on 2018-08-19. Retrieved 2018-08-18.
113. "Almanac | Jeff Johnson + Tim Walz in the first post-primary TV debate | Season 2018 | Episode 48".
114. Donald J. Trump. "Jeff Johnson of Minnesota had a big night in winning the Republican nomination for Governor against a very strong and well known opponent! Thanks for all of the support you showed me. You have my complete and total Endorsement. You will win in November!". Twitter.
115. Michael R. Pence. "CONGRATS to @MNJeffJohnson & @PeteStauber on their primary victories in Minnesota last night. They are the kind of strong leaders we need supporting @realDonaldTrump's agenda!". Twitter.
116. Tom Emmer. "Congratulations to @MNJeffJohnson and @doug_wardlow on their primary wins. Look forward to working with the entire @mngop ticket to #TurnMNRed this November". Twitter.
117. "Former Lt. Gov. snubs old boss Tim Pawlenty, endorses Jeff Johnson". May 4, 2018. Retrieved August 18, 2018.
118. "Republican race for governor: Matt Dean drops out, throws support behind Jeff Johnson", Twin Cities Pioneer Press, January 25, 2018. Retrieved January 25, 2018.
119. Tim Pawlenty. "Although the primary results were not what I had hoped, I have no regrets about the run. Am so grateful for Mary, my campaign team, supporters and friends for the great help and support. I wish @MNJeffJohnson the best as he strives to become MN's next Governor. Support him!". Twitter.
120. Jeff Johnson. "I'm so proud to have the support of my friend, Gov. Al Quie. He just turned 95, is sharp as a tack and wears his button with pride wherever he goes. God bless you, Al". Twitter.
121. Michelle Benson. "Update on @Tim_Walz government health care plan. @MNJeffJohnson is correct, it is not good for hospitals. #MNGov". Twitter.
122. Mike Lindell. ".@MNJeffJohnson for MN Governor! #voteAugust14th". Twitter.
123. Jeff Johnson. "FARMER ENDORSED. Our campaign is proud to have the endorsement of @MNFarmBureau MN Farmers are the people who move our state forward & help nourish our entire country. We're beyond excited to represent them come November! #OverthrowTheStatusQuo #MNGov". Twitter.
124. "Job Creators Strongly Support Jeff Johnson for Minnesota Governor". NFIB. September 25, 2018.
125. Smith, Kelly (October 16, 2018). "Minneapolis police union endorses Republican Jeff Johnson for Minnesota governor". Star Tribune.
126. Barack Obama. "Today, I'm proud to endorse even more Democratic candidates who aren't just running against something, but for something—to expand opportunity for all of us and to restore dignity, honor, and compassion to public service. They deserve your vote". Twitter.
127. Amy Klobuchar. "Great event at @HoopsBrewing in Duluth for my friend @Tim_Walz with a big crowd of supporters. Tim is standing up for Minnesota values and for our future. Looking forward to seeing him and @peggyflanagan win in November!". Twitter.
128. Tina Smith. "I am SO excited to see the incredible turnout everywhere @Tim_Walz and I go. We are hopeful. We have the momentum. And we are not taking ANYTHING for granted over the next 38 days. #OneMinnesota". Twitter.
129. News Tribune (March 12, 2018). "Nolan endorses Walz for Minnesota governor". Duluth News Tribune.
130. Eric Garcetti. "Kicking off #EGinMN at the @MinnesotaDFL Founders' Day Dinner listening to @Tim_Walz -- a teacher and coach, veteran and congressman. Fired up by his speech, inspired by the leader he'll be for Minnesota". Twitter.
131. Jennifer Shultz. "Looking good, Duluth! TY @amyklobuchar, @Tim_Walz & @TonyLourey for visiting with us". Twitter.
132. "IFO Endorses Tim Walz For Governor!". Tim Walz for Governor. September 28, 2017. Retrieved April 10, 2018.
133. Change Research
134. Chris Wright (GLC) with 2%
135. Research Co.
136. SurveyUSA
137. St. Cloud State University
138. Mason-Dixon Archived 2018-10-21 at the Wayback Machine
139. Change Research
140. Chris Wright (GLC) with 4%
141. Marist College
142. Mason-Dixon
143. SurveyUSA
144. Suffolk University Archived 2018-12-08 at the Wayback Machine
145. Chris Wright (GLC) with 1%
146. Emerson College Archived 2018-08-15 at the Wayback Machine
147. Emerson College Archived 2018-08-15 at the Wayback Machine
148. BK Strategies Archived 2018-06-29 at the Wayback Machine
149. Emerson College Archived 2018-08-15 at the Wayback Machine
150. Emerson College Archived 2018-08-15 at the Wayback Machine
151. Public Policy Polling (D-A Better Minnesota)
152. "Minnesota Secretary of State - 2018 General Election Results". Archived from the original on 2020-04-10. Retrieved 2018-12-12.
153. "Daily Kos Elections' statewide election results by congressional and legislative districts". Daily Kos. Retrieved August 11, 2020.
154. "Minnesota gubernatorial election exit poll". CNN. Retrieved November 20, 2018.

External links

• Elections & Voting - Minnesota Secretary of State
• Candidates at Vote Smart
• Candidates at Ballotpedia

Official campaign websites

• Jeff Johnson (R) for Governor
• Tim Walz (DFL) for Governor
• Josh Welter (L) for Governor
• Chris Wright (G-LC) for Governor