Minnesota Primary Election 2026
The Minnesota primary is Tuesday, August 11, 2026. Polls are open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. in most of the state. Minnesota offers same-day voter registration at your polling place.
What's at stake
Minnesota has two open statewide races: Tina Smith's US Senate seat and the governorship after Tim Walz ended his reelection bid. Both are rated Likely D, but both DFL primaries are genuinely contested.
Key races and candidates
US Senate (DFL primary)
Open seat, Smith retiring. A real two-way fight between the polling leader and the fundraising leader.
US Senate (Republican primary)
The NRSC and the state party back different candidates.
Governor (DFL primary)
Amy Klobuchar's move from the Senate makes her the heavy favorite.
Governor (Republican primary)
The GOP endorsement went to Qualls, with the House Speaker also running.
What happens next
Winners advance to the general election on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Follow the general-election matchups on our Senate and governor trackers, or see every competitive state on the interactive election map.