National Democrats put money into Minnesota state legislative races

It's an unusual move and WCCO Political Analyst Blois Olson says they're trying to protect Minnesota's "trifecta"
The National Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee is planning to invest in 13 competitive Minnesota Legislature races, a move that is somewhat unusual.
The National Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee is planning to invest in 13 competitive Minnesota Legislature races, a move that is somewhat unusual. Photo credit (Photo by Mark Erickson/Getty Images)

The National Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee is planning to invest in 13 competitive Minnesota Legislature races, a move that is somewhat unusual. The Committee is putting money behind 180 candidates nationwide.

WCCO Radio Political analyst Blois Olson says Democrats want to protect their trifecta in Minnesota. Over the last year, the state had a Democratic Governor in Tim Walz, along with Democrat control of both the state senate and state house.

"So, this targeted money shows how once Vice President Harris came into the race and Democrats were able to raise more money," says Olson. "How that gives them an advantage, not just at the top of the ticket, but in other races throughout the state."

Olson says it is another example of how Democrats in Minnesota have been able to continue to show they're better organized and better funded that state Republicans.

"When they organize, when they have resources, when they can pass legislation, that gives them a narrative nationally and they don't want to lose that narrative," Olson explained.

The elevation of Governor Walz to a national platform has shined a spotlight on some of the state's progressive policies such as abortion access, school lunch programs and more.

"Now, there's this story about a successful DFL party in Minnesota, and National Democrats want to model that in other states," he said Thursday. "And so, they're gonna continue to invest in Minnesota so Minnesota can be successful with the more liberal policies of the trifecta."

That "trifecta" passed Minnesota's largest ever state budget in 2024

The Republican State Legislative Committee also announced some investment in Minnesota and five other states.

The DFL Spotlight candidates unveiled today are:

Harley Droba (HD-03A)

Mark Munger (HD-03B)

Abdi Daisane (HD-14A)

Rep. Dan Wolgamott (HD-14B)

Rep. Jeff Brand (HD-18A)

Rep. Matt Norris (HD-32B)

Rep. Zack Stephenson (HD-35A)

Kari Rehrauer (HD-35B)

Janelle Calhoun (HD-36A)

Lucia Wroblewski (HD-41A)

Jen Fox (HD-41B)

Rep. Lucy Rehm (HD-48B)

Rep Brad Tabke (HD-54A)

Featured Image Photo Credit: (Photo by Mark Erickson/Getty Images)