Primary Election, Tuesday, August 11, 2026
On Tuesday, August 11, 2026, Minnesota will hold a state-wide primary election with candidates for federal, state, and local office vying for their party’s nomination and a place on the ballot this November. With all four constitutional officers, including the governor’s office, eight seats in the Congress, a U.S. Senate seat, and all 201 seats in the Minnesota Legislature on the ballot this year, there are several notable primary races to watch.
Republicans also have a primary against former sports broadcaster Michele Tafoya, former Navy SEAL Adam Schwarze, and former NBA player Royce White all competing for the Republican nomination. Schwarze won the GOP convention endorsement, but Tafoya’s ability to raise money on a national level has positioned her as a strong candidate for the open Senate seat.
Six candidates are seeking the DFL nomination, including former state Sen. Matt Little (DFL-Lakeville), who received the DFL endorsement, along with current state Sen. Matt Klein (DFL-Mendota Heights) and Rep. Kaela Berg (DFL-Burnsville). The winner is expected to face off against state Sen. Eric Pratt (R-Prior Lake) in one of the most closely contested congressional races in Minnesota.
Republicans have their own slate of incumbent primaries, including Sen. Paul Utke (R-Park Rapids), Sen. Nathan Wesenberg (R-Little Falls) and Sen. John Jasinski (R-Fairbault) as well as with Rep. Josh Heintzeman (R-Nisswa), Rep. Tom Murphy (R-Underwood), and Rep. Dawn Gillman (R-Dassel).
Many judicial and local offices are also up for election and will hold primaries in their areas. For information related to voting locations, sample ballots, and other useful material, you can visit the Secretary of State’s website here. Watch for more information from Larkin Hoffman Public Affairs on primary results and additional content leading up to the November general election.
The Senate enters its final week before the August recess facing an ambitious legislative agenda, with government funding, Russia sanctions, executive nominations, and several high-profile policy priorities competing for limited floor time before lawmakers depart Washington.
Government Funding
Senate appropriators have reached a bipartisan agreement on a continuing resolution (CR) that would fund the federal government through December 11, avoiding a September 30 government shutdown ahead of the November elections. The agreement delays several contentious policy issues until the lame-duck session, including implementation of the proposed Office of Management and Budget rule expanding executive authority to rescind federal grant funding.
The Senate is expected to begin procedural consideration of the CR this week, with leadership seeking to expedite floor consideration before recess.
Judiciary Committee Breakthrough
A key procedural impasse over the nomination of Todd Blanche appears to have been resolved after the Department of Justice agreed to rescind its proposed anti-weaponization fund and clarify the limits of a separate tax audit immunity agreement. The compromise clears the way for the Senate Judiciary Committee to advance Blanche’s nomination, with final Senate consideration possible before lawmakers leave Washington.
Russia Sanctions
The Senate continues to prioritize bipartisan legislation imposing additional sanctions on Russia. Although the measure enjoys broad bipartisan support, procedural hurdles and amendment votes remain before final passage. Senate leadership is pushing to complete action before the August recess.
Budget Reconciliation & SAVE America Act
Despite continued pressure from the White House, Senate Republican leaders do not currently have sufficient votes to advance a new budget resolution that would unlock reconciliation legislation. As a result, consideration of the Administration’s top legislative priority—the SAVE America Act—appears increasingly unlikely before recess, setting up additional negotiations when Congress returns in September.
Additional Senate Activity
Senate leadership is also working to:
Congressional Political Landscape
With the 2026 midterm elections approaching, several House races continue to draw national attention:
Michigan’s 13th Congressional District has emerged as one of the most closely watched Democratic primaries, where Rep. Shri Thanedar faces a well-funded challenge from state Rep. Donavan McKinney.
In Maine’s 2nd District, Democratic nominee Matt Dunlap is working to unify support following a contentious primary as he prepares for a competitive general election.
House Republicans are also monitoring the reelection prospects of Rep. Max Miller (R-Ohio) amid ongoing personal controversies that could impact the race.
Looking Ahead
The Senate has only a few legislative days remaining before beginning its August recess. Leadership’s immediate priorities remain passing the continuing resolution, completing Russia sanctions legislation, advancing executive nominations, and resolving outstanding procedural issues on several high-profile legislative priorities. While additional policy measures—including reconciliation legislation and broader appropriations work—remain under discussion, many are increasingly likely to be deferred until lawmakers return in September.
As Congress works through this compressed legislative schedule, the LHPA Federal Affairs team will continue closely monitoring developments, engaging with key congressional offices and federal agencies, and advocating on behalf of our clients’ priorities. We will provide timely updates as significant legislative actions and funding decisions occur throughout the remainder of the appropriations process and into the fall legislative session
