Minneapolis, MN — With just 54 days until election day, many local candidates are in the final stretch of election 2016. Discussion surrounding both presidential candidates and how it could affect down ballot votes has led to some concern. However, good news arrived this morning for many local State Senate and House races.
The Minnesota Gun Owners PAC (MNGOPAC) announced their endorsement of 81 state house races this morning. Of the 81 candidates, 75 candidates endorsed were from the GOP, two candidates were from the Libertarian Party, and four were from the DFL.
Yesterday, the group also announced on their website the endorsement of 43 State Senate races. Of the list, eight were from the DFL, one was from the Libertarian Party, and 34 were from the GOP.
The list was a mix of old and new faces to the parties. Newcomers like Max Rymer (HD49B), Calvin Bahr (HD 31B), and Cory Campbell (SD 57) made the list while established politicians like House Speaker Kurt Daud (HD 31A), Sen. Roger Chamberlain (SD 38 ), and Rep. Matt Dean (38B) also found their names on the list again. All twelve DFL endorsed candidates were from Northwestern Minnesota.
One local candidate received some national attention this morning as the Republican State Leadership Committee (RSLC) also announced its “16 in ‘16: Races to Watch” list. The group states that “the list will recognize rising stars in the party who are ready to champion conservative governing and who represent the full diversity and depth of our electorate.”
On the list is Minnesota State Senate candidate Sharna Wahlgren (SD 53). Wahlgren who ran for Congress against Betty McCollum in 2014 is the only Minnesota candidate to appear on the list.
Preya Samsundar
Preya Samsundar was born and raised in Minneapolis, MN. She graduated from the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities this Spring with a B.A. in Political Science and Sociology, with a minor in Strategic Communications. Preya has previously worked on several State Campaign Races.
