Minnesota gubernatorial election, 2018

Minnesota gubernatorial election, 2018

←  2014 November 6, 2018 2022 →

Nominee Tim Walz Jeff Johnson Party DFL Republican Running mate Peggy Flanagan Donna Bergstrom Popular vote 1,393,053 1,097,689 Percentage 53.8% 42.4%

Results by county Walz:     40-50%     50–60%     60–70% Tie:     40-50% Johnson:     40–50%     50–60%     60–70%

Governor before election Mark Dayton DFL Elected Governor Tim Walz DFL

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v t e

The 2018 Minnesota gubernatorial election took place on November 6, to elect the 41st Governor of Minnesota as incumbent governor Mark Dayton chose not to run for re-election for a third term. The Democratic nominee was congressman Tim Walz from Minnesota's 1st congressional district while the Republicans nominated Hennepin County comissioner Jeff Johnson. The Independence Party of Minnesota didn't field a candidate for the first time since 1994. Going into the election the polls showed Walz ahead and the race was characterized as lean or likely DFL.

In the end, Walz went on to defeat Johnson by the largest margin for a DFL candidate since 1986. His victory also means that Minnesota will have its longest streak of Democrats in the Governor's mansion in the state's history, at 12 continuous years.

Democratic–Farmer–Labor primary

Candidates

Nominated

• Tim Walz, U.S. Representative ^[1]
  • Running mate: Peggy Flanagan, state representative ^[2]

Eliminated in primary

• Tim Holden, ^[3] real estate investor and candidate for Mayor of Saint Paul in 2017 ^[4]
  • Running mate: James P. Mellin II
• Erin Murphy, state representative ^[5]
  • Running mate: Erin Maye Quade, state representative ^[6]
• Olé Savior, perennial candidate ^[3]
  • Running mate: Chris Edman
• Lori Swanson, Attorney General of Minnesota
  • Running mate: Rick Nolan, U.S. Representative ^[7]

Withdrawn

• Paul Thissen, state representative ^{[8] [9]}
• Chris Coleman, former Mayor of Saint Paul ^{[10] [11]}
• Tina Liebling, state representative ^{[12] [13]}
• Rebecca Otto, Minnesota State Auditor ^[14]
  • Running mate: Zarina Baber, IT professional

Declined

• Tom Bakk, Minority Leader of the Minnesota Senate and candidate for governor in 2010 ^{[15] [16] [17]}
• Mark Dayton, incumbent governor ^{[18] [19]}
• Debra Hilstrom, state representative and candidate for Secretary of State in 2014 (running for Minnesota Attorney General) ^{[20] [21]}
• Amy Klobuchar, U.S. Senator (running for re-election) ^[22]
• Rick Nolan, U.S. Representative ^[23] (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 ^{[24] [25] [26]}
• Tina Smith, U.S. Senator (running for election) ^{[15] [27] [28]}

Endorsements

Erin Murphy (DFL)

Mark Dayton, Governor of Minnesota Minnesota DFL Party Women Winning Unions SEIU Minnesota State Council Minnesota Nurses Association [29] AFSCME Council 5 IATSE Local 13 [30] 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 [31] 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 [31] 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 Amy Brendmoen, Saint Paul City Council President Chris Tolbert, Saint Paul City Council Russ Stark, former Saint Paul City Council Zuki Ellis, Saint Paul School Board Steve Marchese, Saint Paul School Board Mary Vanderwert, Sant Paul School Board Lisa Bender. Minneapolis City Council President Alondra Cano, Minneapolis City Council AK Hassan, Minneapolis Park Board Commissioner Ben DeNucci, Itasca County Commisioner Tim Sumner, Beltrami County Commisioner Theresia Gillie, Kittson County Commisioner Myron Bursheim, Cook County Commisioner Mary Jo McGuire, Ramsey County Commisioner Jan Sivertson, Cook County Commissioner Emily Larson, mayor of Duluth Barb Russ, Duluth City Council Elissa Hansen, Duluth City Council Nora Sandstad, Duluth School Board David Kirby, Duluth School Board Rosie Loeffler-Kemp, Duluth School Board Sally Trnka, Duluth School Board Jill Lofald, Duluth School Board Annie Harala, former Duluth School Board member Maureen Ramirez, West Saint Paul School Board Nelly Korman, Bloomington School Board Kara Gloe, Moorhead School Board Kelsey Waits, Hastings School Board Scott Johnson, mayor of Silver Bay Jimmy Francis, mayor of South Saint Paul Rita Albrecht, mayor of Bemidji Suzanne Hilgard, mayor of Olivia Mary Drewes, Coleraine City Council Erik Hatlestad, New London City Council Jessica Peterson-White. Northfield City Council Michael Howard, Richfield City Council Gene Short, Currie City Council Patrick Boyle, St. Louis County Commissioner John Choi, Ramsey County Attorney Del Rae Williams, mayor of Moorhead Jason Mattick, former member Mankato City Council Mick McGuire, Montgomery City Council Suzie Nakasian, Northfield City Council Doug Gregor, Aurora City council Anne Mavity, St. Louis Park City Council Em Westerlund, Duluth City Council Phillipe Cunningham, Minneapolis City Council Steve Fletcher, Minneapolis City Council Jeremiah Ellison, Minneapolis City Council Jeremy Schroeder, Minneapolis City Council Andrea Jenkins, Minneapolis City Council Avonna Starck, Fridley School Board Barb Kalmi, Nashwauk-Keewatin School Board Kim Ellison, Minneapolis School Board Ira Jourdain, Minneapolis School Board Nelson Inz, Minneapolis School Board Laurie Driessen, former member, Canby School Board Kale Severson, Minneapolis Park Board Rebecca Noecker, St. Paul City Council Vice President State leaders Mike Smart, Minnesota Teacher of the Year 2007 [32] Ryan Vernosh, Minnesota Teacher of the Year 2010 Katy Smith, Minnesota Teacher of the Year 2011 Jackie Roehl, Minnesota Teacher of the Year 2012 Megan Olivia Hall, Minnesota Teacher of the Year 2013 Tom Rademacher, Minnesota Teacher of the Year, 2014 Amy Hewett-Olatunde, Ed.D., Minnesota Teacher of the Year 2015 Abdul Wright, Minnesota Teacher of the Year 2016 DFL constituency caucuses DFL Disability Caucus DFL Latino Caucus Minnesota Young DFL Stonewall DFL National organizations EMILY's List National Nurses United CPD Action LGBTQ Victory Fund [33] Color of Change PAC State organizations Outfront Minnesota Our Revolution MN Our Revolution Twin Cities Take Action Minnesota NARAL Pro-Choice Minnesota Sierra Club North Star Chapter MN350 Action [34] Maiv PAC [35] Survivors Lead Action [36] Faith in Minnesota

Rebecca Otto (DFL)
State Elected Officials Tina Liebling, state representative, former 2018 gubernatorial candidate DFL constituency caucuses Minnesota DFL Progressive Caucus Minnesota DFL Environmental Caucus Organizations Our Revolution Minnesota - Our Revolution Duluth for Clean Water National leaders Khizr Kahn - Gold Star Father

Lori Swanson (DFL)
Federal politicians Rick Nolan, U.S. Representative 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 [37] Collin Peterson, U.S. Representative [38] Betty McCollum, U.S. Representative Dennis Mcdonough, Fmr. Chief of Staff to President Barack Obama Max Cleland, former U.S. Senator [39] Barney Frank, former U.S. Representative Mayors Jacob Frey, Mayor of Minneapolis [40] 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 [38] El Tinklenberg, former Mayor of Blaine State elected officials 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 Nick Frentz, state senator Jason Isaacson, state senator Jim Carlson, state senator Dan Sparks, state senator Chuck Wiger, state senator Jerry Newton, 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 [41] 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. Fmr. 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 Sen. Paul Wellstone Wesley Clark, retired General, former Supreme Allied Commander of NATO [42] Judy Shepard, Board President of Matthew Shepard Foundation, LGBT-rights activist Tribal nations Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Newspapers Duluth News Tribune [43] (DFL Primary) Minneapolis Star Tribune [44] (DFL Primary) Unions Education Minnesota [45] IFO- Inter Faculty Organization [46] International Union of Operating Engineers - Local 49 [47] LiUNA!- Laborers' International Union of North America- Minnesota & North Dakota [48] SMART Sheet Metal Workers Local 10 - Sheet Metal Workers' International Association [49] 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 [50] IBEW - International Brotherhood of Electrical Engineers - Minnesota State Council MAPE - Minnesota Association of Professional Employees [51] 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 BMWED- 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 AFGE- American Federation of Government Employees [52] National Organizations VoteVets.org- Veterans Advocacy Group

Polling

Poll source	Date(s) administered	Sample size	Margin of error	Erin Murphy	Lori Swanson	Tim Walz	Other	Undecided
Emerson College	August 8–11, 2018	217	± 6.9%	19%	29%	28%	–	24%
Marist College	July 15–19, 2018	439	± 5.6%	11%	28%	24%	1%	37%
GQR Research (D-Minnesota Victory PAC)	June 25–27, 2018	602	–	17%	37%	29%	1% [53]	16%

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	2577	71	355	107	232	56	1558	4	163
2	3501	384	202	411	656	120	1156	4	523
3	4291	670	202	386	827	186	1362	8	530
4	6072	854	297	1111	1227	139	1384	11	897
5	9519	1019	457	1400	1462	537	2363	30	1137
6	2375	326	115	294	587	59	590	4	375
7	2121	124	106	274	405	172	761	4	273
8	3873	441	277	474	1082	263	759	8	527
Statewide	34329	3889	2011	4457	6478	1532	9933	73	4425
Percent	-	11.86%	6.13%	13.59%	19.75%	4.67%	30.29%	0.22%	13.49%

Results

Results by county:

Walz

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

Murphy

•   40–50%

Swanson

•   50–60%
•   40–50%
•   30–40%

Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party primary results

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	DFL	Tim Walz	242,832	41.60%
	DFL	Erin Murphy	186,969	32.03%
	DFL	Lori Swanson	143,517	24.59%
	DFL	Tim Holden	6,398	1.10%
	DFL	Olé Savior	4,019	0.69%
Total votes			583,735	100%

Republican primary

Candidates

Nominated

• Jeff Johnson, Hennepin County Commissioner, former state representative and nominee for governor in 2014 ^[54]
  • Running mate: Donna Bergstrom, retired Marine Corps intelligence officer ^[55]

Eliminated in primary

• Mathew Kruse ^[3]
  • Running mate: Theresa Loeffler
• Tim Pawlenty, former governor and candidate for President of the United States in 2012 ^[56]
  • Running mate: Michelle Fischbach, incumbent lieutenant governor ^[57]

Withdrew

• Phillip Parrish, Naval Reserve intelligence officer and candidate for the U.S. Senate in 2014 ^[58]
• Mary Giuliani Stephens, mayor of Woodbury ^{[59] [60]}
  • Running mate: Jeff Backer, state representative ^[61]
• Christopher Chamberlin ^{[62] [63]} (running for MN-05)
• Matt Dean, state representative ^[64]
• Keith Downey, former chairman of the Republican Party of Minnesota and former state representative ^{[65] [66]}
• Blake Huffman, Ramsey County Commissioner ^{[67] [68]}
• David Osmek, state senator ^[69]

Declined

• Sarah Anderson, state representative ^[70]
• Michele Bachmann, former U.S. Representative and candidate for president in 2012 ^[71]
• Michelle Benson, state senator and candidate for lieutenant governor in 2014 ^{[27] [72]}
• Kurt Daudt, Speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives (Endorsed Pawlenty) ^{[27] [72]}
• Tom Emmer, U.S. Representative (running for re-election) ^[73] and nominee for governor in 2010 ^[74]
• Karin Housley, state senator ^[72] (running for the U.S. Senate) ^[75]
• Amy Koch, former Majority Leader of the Minnesota Senate ^{[76] [77]}
• Mike Lindell, CEO of My Pillow ^[78]
• Mike McFadden, businessman and nominee for the U.S. Senate in 2014 ^{[27] [72]}
• Carla Nelson, state senator ^{[79] [80]}
• Erik Paulsen, U.S. Representative (running for re-election) ^{[27] [72] [81]}
• Julie Rosen, state senator (endorsed Pawlenty) ^{[72] [77]}
• Rich Stanek, Hennepin County Sheriff and former state representative (running for reelection as sheriff) ^{[27] [82]}

Endorsements

Tim Pawlenty

John Jasinski, State Senator [83] Steve Sviggum, former Speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives [84] Kurt Zellers, former Speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives [84] Josh Heintzeman, state representative [85] Housing First Minnesota [86] Associated Builders and Contractors [87] Minnesota Chamber of Commerce [88] Minnesota College Republicans [89] Police Officers Federation of Minneapolis [90] Duluth News Tribune [91] Star Tribune [92] Mesabi Daily News [93] Latino American Today [94]

Polling

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

Results

Results by county:

Johnson

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

Pawlenty

•   60-70%
•   50-60%
•   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%

Third parties and independents

Candidates

Declared

• Josh Welter (Libertarian Party) ^[3]
• Chris Wright (Grassroots-Legalize Cannabis Party), Grassroots Party nominee for governor in 1998, 2010 and 2014 ^{[95] [96]}

General election

Predictions

Source	Ranking	As of
The Cook Political Report [97]	Likely DFL	October 5, 2018
The Washington Post [98]	Lean DFL	October 16, 2018
FiveThirtyEight [99]	Likely DFL	October 17, 2018
Inside Elections [100]	Likely DFL	October 12, 2018
Sabato's Crystal Ball [101]	Lean DFL	October 11, 2018
RealClearPolitics [102]	Lean DFL	October 12, 2018
Daily Kos [103]	Lean DFL	October 5, 2018
Fox News [104] [lower-alpha 1]	Lean DFL	October 12, 2018
Politico [105]	Likely DFL	October 12, 2018
Governing [106]	Lean DFL	October 2, 2018

Notes

1. 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. ^{[107] [108]}

Host network/sponsors	Date	Link(s)	Participants
			Tim Walz (DFL)	Jeff Johnson (R)
MPR News	August 31, 2018	[109]	Invited	Invited
KSTP-TV	August 17, 2018	[110]	Invited	Invited
Twin Cities PBS (Almanac)	August 17, 2018	[111]	Invited	Invited

Endorsements

Jeff Johnson (R)

Federal officials Donald Trump, President of the United States [112] Mike Pence, Vice President of the United States [113] Marco Rubio, U.S. Senator from Florida [31] Tom Emmer, U.S. Representative and 2010 nominee for Governor [114] Statewide and local officials Carol Molnau, former Minnesota lieutenant governor. [115] Matt Dean, state representative [116] Tim Pawlenty, former Governor of Minnesota [117] Al Quie, former Governor of Minnesota [118] Michelle Benson, Minnesota state senator [119] Individuals Mike Lindell, CEO of My Pillow [120] Organizations Minnesota Farm Bureau [121] National Federation of Independent Business [122] Police Officers Federation of Minneapolis [123]

Tim Walz (DFL)

Federal officials Barack Obama, 44th President of the United States [124] Walter Mondale, former Vice President, nominee for President in 1984, and former U.S. Senator [125] Amy Klobuchar, U.S. Senator [126] Tina Smith, U.S. Senator [127] Collin Peterson, U.S. Representative [38] Betty McCollum, U.S. Representative Dennis Mcdonough, Fmr. Chief of Staff to Barack Obama Max Cleland, former U.S. Senator [128] 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 [129] Jacob Frey, Mayor of Minneapolis [130] 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, Blooming Prairie Sarah Schroeder, 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 [38] 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, fmr. candidate for Governor Erin Murphy, State representative, fmr. 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 fmr. candidate for Governor Nick Frentz, state senator Jason Isaacson, state senator Jim Carlson, state senator Dan Sparks, state senator Chuck Wiger, state senator Jerry Newton, 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 [132] 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. Fmr. 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 Sen. Paul Wellstone Wesley Clark, retired General, former Supreme Allied Commander of NATO [133] 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 [45] IFO- Inter Faculty Organization [46] International Union of Operating Engineers - Local 49 [47] LiUNA!- Laborers' International Union of North America- Minnesota & North Dakota [48] SMART Sheet Metal Workers Local 10 - Sheet Metal Workers' International Association [49] 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 [50] IBEW - International Brotherhood of Electrical Engineers - Minnesota State Council MAPE - Minnesota Association of Professional Employees [51] 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 BMWED- 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 AFGE- American Federation of Government Employees [52] Minnesota AFL-CIO- The American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations AFSCME Council 5- American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Teamsters Local 120 SEIU Minnesota- Service Employees International Union National Organizations VoteVets.org- Veterans Advocacy Group NARAL Pro-Choice America- Minnesota Chapter

Polling

Poll source	Date(s) administered	Sample size	Margin of error	Tim Walz (D)	Jeff Johnson (R)	Josh Welter (L)	Other	Undecided
Change Research	November 2–4, 2018	953	–	53%	41%	2%	2% [134]	–
Research Co.	November 1–3, 2018	450	± 4.6%	48%	42%	–	1%	9%
SurveyUSA	October 29–31, 2018	600	± 5.3%	49%	41%	–	2%	9%
Mason-Dixon	October 15–17, 2018	800	± 3.5%	45%	39%	3%	2% [135]	12%
Change Research	October 12–13, 2018	1,413	–	47%	44%	3%	4% [136]	2%
Marist College	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	September 10–12, 2018	800	± 3.5%	45%	36%	1%	2% [137]	16%
SurveyUSA	September 6–8, 2018	574	± 4.9%	47%	40%	–	3%	10%
Suffolk University	August 17–20, 2018	500	± 4.4%	46%	41%	1%	1% [138]	12%
Emerson College	August 8–11, 2018	500	± 4.6%	40%	33%	–	–	27%

Results

Minnesota gubernatorial election, 2018

Party		Candidate	Votes	%	±
	DFL	Tim Walz/Peggy Flanagan	1,393,053	53.84%	+3.77%
	Republican	Jeff Johnson/Donna Bergstrom	1,097,689	42.43%	-2.08%
	Grassroots	Chris Wright/Judith Schwartzbacker	68,664	2.65%	+1.07%
	Libertarian	Josh Welter/Mary O'Connor	26,735	1.03%	+0.11%
	n/a	Write-ins	1,086	0.04%	0.00%
Total votes			2,587,227	100.0%	N/A
	DFL hold

Voter demographics

Edison Research exit poll

Demographic subgroup	Walz	Johnson	No Answer	% of Voters
Gender
Men	48	51	1	46
Women	61	37	2	54
Age
18–24 years old	71	25	4	6
25–29 years old	54	44	2	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	54	46	N/A	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	53	46	1	17
Some college education	49	50	1	24
Associate degree	49	50	1	17
Bachelor's degree	58	40	2	26
Advanced degree	71	28	1	16
Education and race
White college graduates	62	36	2	38
White no college degree	47	52	1	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	69	30	1	21
White women without college degrees	52	46	2	28
White men with college degrees	55	44	1	17
White men without college degrees	41	59	N/A	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	53	44	3	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	48	50	2	16
Independent women	60	36	4	13
Ideology
Liberals	95	3	2	27
Moderates	66	33	1	39
Conservatives	11	88	1	33
Marital status
Married	48	50	2	68
Unmarried	64	34	2	32
Gender by marital status
Married men	44	55	1	31
Married women	52	46	2	36
Unmarried men	52	44	4	15
Unmarried women	73	25	2	18
First-time midterm election voter
Yes	52	46	2	12
No	59	41	N/A	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	68	31	1	40
Suburban	51	47	2	32
Rural	42	57	1	28
Source: CNN [139]

See also

• 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, 2018

References

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41. 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.
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53. Tim Holden and Ole Savior with 0%, other 1%
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55. Van Berkel, Jessie (May 14, 2018). "Jeff Johnson picks Donna Bergstrom as running mate in governor's race". Star Tribune . Retrieved May 14, 2018.
56. Coolican, J. Patrick (April 5, 2018). "Tim Pawlenty makes it official: He's running for governor again". Star Tribune . Retrieved April 5, 2018.
57. Coolican, J Patrick (May 31, 2018). "Pawlenty picks Fischbach as running mate". Star Tribune . Retrieved May 31, 2018.
58. Morris, William (March 21, 2017). "Former Medford man launches run for governor". Owatonna People's Press . Retrieved August 22, 2017.
59. "Woodbury mayor files to run for governor as Republican". Minneapolis Star Tribune .
60. "GOP endorses Jeff Johnson for Governor". Kare 11.
61. "Giuliani Stephens names Backer to ticket in GOP governor bid". Star Tribune . May 2, 2018.
62. Lease, Lawrence (December 31, 2016). "MN native Christopher Chamberlin running for governor in 2018". News Record. Retrieved December 31, 2016.
63. Pugmire, Tim (December 7, 2017). "As Dayton weighs Franken replacement, who may run in 2018?". Minnesota Public Radio . Retrieved December 7, 2017.
64. The Associated Press, "Republican Matt Dean Is No Longer Running For Governor", WCCO, January 25, 2018. Retrieved January 25, 2018.
65. 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.
66. 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.
67. "Ramsey County Commissioner Blake Huffman to run for governor". St. Paul Pioneer Press . April 18, 2017. Retrieved April 19, 2017.
68. 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.
69. The Associated Press (January 8, 2018). "David Osmek says his campaign for Minnesota governor is over". twincities.com. Retrieved January 8, 2018.
70. Coolican, J. Patrick (February 18, 2017). "Rep. Sarah Anderson: A name for the 2018 statewide mix?". Star Tribune . Retrieved February 24, 2017.
71. Montgomery, David (July 19, 2017). "Michele Bachmann warns about 'radical Islam'". St. Paul Pioneer Press . Retrieved July 20, 2017.
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73. Dillon, Nora (May 25, 2018). "Emmer Files For Reelection". []. Retrieved June 1, 2018.
74. Montgomery, David (December 5, 2016). "GOP hopefuls for governor seek support from party". Austin Daily Herald . Retrieved December 6, 2016.
75. "Karin Housley pulls in $514K for Senate race; businessman Jerry Trooien to enter fray" . Retrieved 1 June 2018.
76. "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.
77. Golden, Erin (September 9, 2017). "Republican women consider runs for Minnesota office — but so far, few pulling trigger" . Retrieved 2017-09-19.
78. "Pillow mogul Mike Lindell denies report he is considering run for governor" . Retrieved 22 May 2018.
79. Carlson, Heather J. (June 7, 2017). "Miller out, but plenty of other GOPers mull 1st District bids". Post-Bulletin . Retrieved June 13, 2017.
80. Carlson, Heather J. (October 2, 2017). "Nelson running for Congress". Post-Bulletin . Retrieved October 2, 2017.
81. "Talking Points: Erik Paulsen & The 2018 Election" . Retrieved June 1, 2018.
82. Coolican, J. Patrick (May 21, 2017). "Sheriff Rich Stanek running for re-election, not governor, in 2018". Minneapolis Star-Tribune. Retrieved May 22, 2017.
83. 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.
84. "Two former GOP Speakers of the Minnesota House endorse Pawlenty and Fischbach". Tim Pawlenty for Governor. June 11, 2018.
85. "State Rep. Josh Heintzeman endorses Pawlenty-Fischbach for Governor/Lt. Governor". Tim Pawlenty for Governor. June 25, 2018.
86. "Housing First Minnesota Endorses Tim Pawlenty for Governor". Housing First Minnesota. May 31, 2018.
87. "Associated Builders and Contractors Endorses Tim Pawlenty for Governor". Tim Pawlenty for Governor. June 28, 2018.
88. "Minnesota Chamber Leadership Fund PAC endorses Pawlenty for governor". Tim Pawlenty for Governor. July 2, 2018.
89. Minnesota College Republicans. "MNCRs endorse @TPaw2018 for Governor!". Twitter.
90. "Police Officers Federation of Minneapolis endorses Pawlenty-Fischbach for Governor/Lt. Governor". Tim Pawlenty for Governor. July 18, 2018.
91. "Our View / Endorsement: Pawlenty gives Republicans best shot". Duluth News Tribune . August 1, 2018.
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93. "ENDORSEMENT: PAWLENTY IS GOP'S TICKET BACK TO THE GOVERNOR'S MANSION". Mesabi Daily News .
94. Tim Pawlenty for Governor. "Rick Aguilar & Latino American Today have endorsed @TimPawlenty for #mngov. "Aguilar feels that we need a governor who understands and can make changes to our education system." Rick founded the Hispanic Republican Assembly & is active in the MN Republican Party". Twitter.
95. Dickson, Janiese (May 10, 2017). "Politicians and citizens implore Minnesotans to legalize marijuana at 4/20 rally". City College News.
96. Golden, Erin (June 16, 2018). "Legal pot advocates join Minnesota races for state, federal offices". Star Tribune . Retrieved June 17, 2018.
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109. https://www.mprnews.org/story/2018/08/28/tim-walz-jeff-johnson-debate-at-minnesota-state-fair-governor-race-2018-election
110. https://kstp.com/politics/jeff-johnson-tim-walz-participate-debate-nisswa-minnesota-gubernatorial-race/5034677/
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112. Donald 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.
113. Mike 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.
114. 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.
115. "Former Lt. Gov. snubs old boss Tim Pawlenty, endorses Jeff Johnson". 4 May 2018. Retrieved 18 August 2018.
116. "Republican race for governor: Matt Dean drops out, throws support behind Jeff Johnson", Twin Cities Pioneer Press, January 25, 2018. Retrieved January 25, 2018.
117. 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.
118. 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.
119. Michelle Benson. "Update on @Tim_Walz government health care plan. @MNJeffJohnson is correct, it is not good for hospitals. #MNGov". Twitter.
120. Mike Lindell. ".@MNJeffJohnson for MN Governor! #voteAugust14th". Twitter.
121. 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.
122. "Job Creators Strongly Support Jeff Johnson for Minnesota Governor". NFIB. September 25, 2018.
123. Smith, Kelly (October 16, 2018). "Minneapolis police union endorses Republican Jeff Johnson for Minnesota governor". Star Tribune .
124. 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.
125. [e-mail], Heather J. Carlson,. "Political Notebook: Nelson decision coming soon?" . Retrieved 22 May 2018.
126. 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.
127. 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.
128. "Tim Walz". www.facebook.com. Retrieved 22 May 2018.
129. 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.
130. 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.
131. Jennifer Shultz. "Looking good, Duluth! TY @amyklobuchar, @Tim_Walz & @TonyLourey for visiting with us". Twitter.
132. 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.
133. "Twitter". twitter.com. Retrieved 22 May 2018.
134. Chris Wright (GLC) with 2%
135. Chris Wright (GLC) with 2%
136. Chris Wright (GLC) with 4%
137. Chris Wright (GLC) with 2%
138. Chris Wright (GLC) with 1%
139. "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