Voters will cast their ballots for the midterm congressional, state, local election on Nov. 6 2018. All Minnesota voters will have the following races on their ballot:

• U.S. Senator

• U.S. Representative

• Governor & Lt. Governor

• Secretary of State

• State Auditor

• Attorney General

• State Representative

This is an important election as it will likely determine a possible new congressional majority, potentially altering President Trump’s plans for the remainder of his presidency.

A Democratic win in the Senate or House of Representatives would mean the party would have the power to open investigations into the Trump administration. Both the House and the Senate currently hold a Republican majority.

Here is your guide to who you’ll see on the Duluth voting ballot.

Up for Governor of Minnesota

Tim Walz (Democratic Farmer-Labor)

A former teacher from Mankato, Walz said in an interview with the Star Tribune that he is “committed to a One Minnesota agenda that gives everyone, no matter what they look like or where they are from, a great education and affordable health care.”

He advocates for stricter gun laws, lowering the cost of health care, and continuing to welcome refugees.

Jeff Johnson (Republican)

A former member of the State House of Representatives, Johnson believes in lowering taxes and is opposed to any new restrictions on guns. On his website, he states that “whether it’s taxes, regulations or a government attitude of helping rather than antagonizing job creators, I will work every day as your governor to make Minnesota’s business climate competitive with those states that surround us.”  

Up for U.S Senate Special Election

Tina Smith (Democrat)

Tina Smith supports family-focused tax reform as well as a stronger and more diverse economy. Smith also advocates for stricter laws surrounding gun violence and more support for the lgbtq community. “I’ve never been one to shrink from a challenge or opportunity to live what I’ve learned from my parents, my family, and the people of Minnesota: work hard, be humble, treat people with respect, and do what you can to help improve people’s lives,” Smith says on her website.

Karin Housley (republican)

“I'm running for U.S. Senate because I believe in our future. I believe in a thriving economy, healthy families, and a government accountable to you. With my experience as a state senator, businesswoman, and mom, I will be a new voice for Minnesota,” Karin Housley said on her website. Housley advocates for protecting Social Security and reforming the health-care system in Minnesota.

Up for U.S. Senate General Election

Amy Klobuchar (Democrat)

Amy Klobuchar was first elected to U.S. Senate in 2006, and was reelected in 2012. Klobuchar supports tax and immigration reform, and advocates for more gun education laws.

In an article by the Star Tribune, Amy said that she has “been guided by values I learned growing up in Minnesota. Serving in the U.S. Senate, I have one aim: a strong Minnesota.”

Jim Newberger (Republican)

Jim Newberger wants to make tax cuts permanent and protect Social Security and Medicare. He also supports the Mexico border wall. Newberger would vote to repeal the Affordable Care Act, and supports the second amendment. On his website, Newberger says that he “looks forward to working with the Trump Administration to Make America Great Again!”

Up for U.S. House of Representatives, District 8

Joe Radinovich (Democrat)

A fourth generation Iron Ranger, Joe Radinovich supports public education and better pay and benefits for working families. "This campaign is about regular working Minnesotans, who put in a full day but still deal with challenging times like my family and I have. Healthcare, childcare, good education, and a secure retirement are not luxuries, they should be achievable for every American who works hard,” Radinovich says on his website.

Pete Stauber (Republican)

A former Area Commander with the Duluth Police Department, Pete Stauber supports affordable healthcare and is pro-life. He supports mining and tax reform. Stauber also supports American veterans. “I believe we have no higher commitment than to take care of our active duty military, their families and our veterans,” , Stauber said on his website.

Up for State Auditor

Julie Blaha (Democratic-Farmer-Laborer)

A former math teacher, Julie Blaha wants to steer the Minnesota government towards a higher degree of transparency. Blaha advocates against the privatization of the State Auditor’s office. In a quote on her website, Blaha said “the auditor can provide the fuel for turning local ideas into policies that help neighborhoods and families.”

Pam Myhra (Republican)

A former audit manager and CPA, Pam Myrha promises accountability and increased transparency from the Minnesota government. Myrha supports the privatization of the State Auditor’s office. “With my knowledge and experience as a Certified Public Accountant, former audit manager at an international public accounting firm and former two-term MN State Representative, my number one priority will be to advocate for your interests and of all Minnesota’s taxpayers,” Myrha states on her website.

Up for State Attorney General

Keith Ellison (Democratic-Farmer-Laborer)

A former trial attorney and current member of Congress, Keith Ellison has represented Minnesota’s 5th Congressional District for 12 years. According to his website, Ellison’s priorities in congress include “promoting peace, prosperity for working families, environmental sustainability, and civil and human rights.” Ellison wants to ensure a fair economy for the American public and work to make healthcare more affordable.

Doug Wardlow (Republican)

An advocate for combatting opioids and sex trafficking, Doug Wardlow wants to make Minnesota fair and safe. Wardlow’s website states that “Minnesotans can trust Doug to restore law and order and keep our communities safe.” He is also an advocate of fighting regulations that hurt farmers and laborers.

Up for State Secretary of State

Steve Simon (Democratic-Farmer-Laborer)

The current Secretary of State, Steve Simon returned Minnesota to a top voter-turnout state and helped protect state elections from foreign attacks. He advocates for continued voter reform. In a letter on his website, Simon says, “I’m committed to making it easier to vote for all eligible Minnesotans, cutting red tape for small businesses, and protecting those who need help most.”

John Howe (Republican)

A former firefighter and mayor of Redwing, John Howe wants to ensure the security of Minnesota’s elections. Howe advocates for further investigations and analysis of the extent of ineligible voting in Minnesota. “As Secretary of State, I will ensure Minnesotans have the best possible, most secure, fair and open election system in the nation,” Howe says on his website.

For more information, see the following articles:

Election and Voter Information--City of Duluth

2018 Minnesota Election Guide