DFL

Early in-person voting for Minnesota’s August primary election has begun, allowing voters to cast ballots in person at local sites. Key races include the Republican governor primary with Kendall Qualls, Lisa Demuth, and Mike Lindell, and the DFL Senate primary between Angie Craig and Peggy Flanagan. U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar leads Democrats in the gubernatorial race, while Keith Ellison is ahead of Ron Schutz in the attorney general race.

Governor Tim Walz's approval rating has dropped to -12, with 16% strong approval and 39% strong disapproval. President Donald Trump's approval rebounded slightly to -20, with 17% strong approval and 47% strong disapproval. Other Minnesota leaders like Amy Klobuchar and Keith Ellison also show declining approval ratings, while the state legislature's rating fell to -15.

Minnesota Democrats are divided over healthcare reform, with centrists like Jake Johnson supporting a public option and progressives like Matt Little advocating for Medicare for All. The debate reflects broader national tensions within the Democratic Party as candidates adjust their positions based on district politics and voter priorities.

A Minnesota Senate committee reported that two-thirds of reviewed Medicaid providers received disenrollment notices, though officials clarified this does not confirm fraud. Brian Nicholson, running mate for Kendall Qualls, defended his Jan. 6, 2021, presence at the U.S. Capitol, stating he left when violence erupted. Qualls dismissed a critical report as a 'hit piece.' Peggy Flanagan, a U.S. Senate candidate, discussed her stance on fraud and ICE in a studio interview.

Dominion Voting Systems, now Liberty Vote, has settled a defamation lawsuit against Mike Lindell and dropped its $1.3 billion claim. Lindell, who falsely claimed the company rigged the 2020 election in favor of Joe Biden, remains a political figure running for Minnesota governor. The article also mentions unrelated stories, including a Minnesota DFL candidate's criticism of the party's neglect of farmers and ICE cooperation concerns in Crow Wing County.

Residents in Minnesota, led by activists like Aubree Derksen, are opposing the construction of hyperscale data centers by companies like Google, citing health, environmental, and resource risks. Despite local protests and failed legislative efforts to regulate these projects, data centers have become a key election issue, with activists urging candidates to address concerns through moratoriums and transparency.

Minnesota lawmakers and officials marked the one-year anniversary of attacks on lawmakers, including the deaths of Mark and Melissa Hortman and injuries to John and Yvette Hoffman. Vance Boelter pleaded guilty to the attacks and will serve two life sentences. Tributes were shared by lawmakers, community leaders, and political groups.