Alpha News has obtained a new poll which shows Republican state Sen. Eric Pratt is in a close race to win Minnesota’s Second Congressional District.
The poll, conducted by Harper Polling from June 18 to June 21, surveyed 415 likely general election voters in the district and had a margin of error of ±4.81 percentage points. The Pratt campaign commissioned the poll and provided it to Alpha News this week.
According to the campaign, respondents were asked about their preferences in hypothetical general election matchups between Pratt and the three leading DFL candidates.
In a general election matchup between Pratt and DFL state Rep. Kaela Berg, the two were tied at 43%. Meanwhile, Pratt trailed DFL state Sen. Matt Klein by one point in a potential general election matchup — Klein at 43% and Pratt at 42%.
In a general election matchup between Pratt and former DFL state senator Matt Little, Little received 45% and Pratt received 40%. All percentages were “rounded topline percentages.”
After the initial ballot was taken, respondents were informed about Pratt’s background and “record of delivering results.” Alpha News asked Pratt’s campaign for details about what the poll respondents were told at this point in the survey.
However, a campaign spokesperson told Alpha News, “At this time, the campaign is not releasing the statements verbatim because the specific wording and structure are part of our internal research.”
When the “informed ballot” was taken, Pratt led all three DFL candidates. Against Berg, Pratt had a three-point lead of 44% to Berg’s 41%. Meanwhile, Pratt led both Klein and Little by one point in hypothetical matchups.
The Pratt campaign said their candidate is “building momentum” as voters learn more about his record.
“I have spent my career solving problems in business, serving my community, and working to make life better for Minnesota families,” Pratt said in a statement. “When people hear that story, they recognize the kind of practical leadership they are looking for.”
Minnesota’s Second Congressional District encompasses much of the state’s south metro area and stretches into many rural communities. Pratt is the only Republican candidate in the race and will automatically advance to the general election ballot.
Pratt has served in the Minnesota Senate since 2013 and is the leading Republican on the powerful Senate Finance Committee.
Meanwhile, Berg, Klein, and Little are competing for their party’s nomination to be on the general election ballot. Little is the DFL-endorsed candidate. The upcoming state primary election will decide which of the three DFLers wins their party’s nomination.
Minnesota’s Second Congressional District has been represented by DFL Rep. Angie Craig since 2019. Craig is running for U.S. Senate this year.
According to campaign finance reports filed earlier this month, Klein is the top fundraiser in the race so far. In the second quarter of this year, Klein brought in $331,094. As of June 30, Klein had $519,888 in cash on hand.
Pratt was the next best fundraiser in Q2, raising $202,388 during the period and reporting $268,902 in campaign cash as of June 30. Little followed Pratt with $175,868 raised and $254,789 in cash on hand at the end of the reporting period.
Berg raised the least amount of money in Q2. According to campaign finance records, she brought in $109,389 during Q2. Berg had $56,636 in cash on hand as of June 30.
Second District Fundraising
- Matt Klein (DFL) — Q2 fundraising: $331k — Cash on hand: $519k
- Eric Pratt (R) — Q2 fundraising: $202k — Cash on hand: $268k
- Matt Little (DFL) — Q2 fundraising: $175k — Cash on hand: $254k
- Kaela Berg (DFL) — Q2 fundraising: $109k — Cash on hand: $56k
Luke Sprinkel
Luke Sprinkel previously worked as a Legislative Assistant at the Minnesota House of Representatives. He grew up as a Missionary Kid (MK) living in England, Thailand, Tanzania, and the Middle East. Luke graduated from Regent University in 2018.
