MinnPost’s 2022 Election Central

Here, you can catch up on all you need to know about what’s on the ballot — from governor to attorney general to secretary of state, to Legislature and Congress, and more — before Election Day on Nov. 8.

By MinnPost staff

Welcome to MinnPost’s 2022 election central page. It’s a big midterm year, with the governor, attorney general, secretary of state, all 201 legislators and all eight members of Congress on the ballot — plus, some high-profile local races in the Twin Cities metro. Here, you can catch up on all you need to know before Election Day on Nov. 8. Scroll for stories by contest and issue, updated as they’re published.

First, need a refresh on what’s at stake Tuesday? We’ve got you covered. Have questions about voting? Look no further. Want to read some Election Day profiles of voters from our reporters in the field? Here you go. How about some live updates from our team all Election Day and into the night? Done.

MinnPost election tools

Governor 2022

Gov. Tim Walz and Scott Jensen chatting following their debate at Farmfest in August.

On Nov. 8, DFL Gov. Tim Walz faces a fight for reelection against Republican nominee Scott Jensen.

Congressional races 2022

photo of us capitol dome — Members of Congress are treating the crisis differently when it comes to their staff management.

All eight of Minnesota’s congressional seats are up for election this November. The most ink is being spilled on two of them: the 2nd District, a rematch between Democratic Rep. Angie Craig and GOP contender Tyler Kistner, which is shaping up to be one of the most expensive in the country; and the 1st District, where GOP Rep. Brad Finstad, who won a special election to replace the late Rep. Jim Hagedorn, faces Democrat Jeff Ettinger.

Legislature 2022

After redistricting, all 201 seats in the Minnesota Legislature are up for reelection. Currently, the Minnesota House is held by the DFL, while the Senate is held by Republicans. Each party will fight to keep control of the body they already control and hopes to gain control of the other.

Attorney general 2022

Polling suggests Minnesota’s attorney general race could be a close one. Incumbent AG Keith Ellison, a DFLer, faces GOP nominee Jim Schultz.

Secretary of state 2022

The Secretary of State’s role in running elections has become more high-profile in the wake of false notions held by some that the 2020 outcome was rigged. In the November election, incumbent DFL Secretary of State Steve Simon faces GOP nominee Kim Crockett.

Auditor 2022

GOP nominee Ryan Wilson, left, speaking during a Minnesota State Fair debate with incumbent DFL Auditor Julie Blaha.

Incumbent DFL state auditor Julie Blaha faces GOP challenger Ryan Wilson in the November election.

Wait? There’s a ‘real issue’ in the state auditor’s race?

Public Safety

Public safety has emerged as a major campaign issue at all levels of government — from local races to state and Congressional. Increasing crime rates and stories of seemingly brazen and violent acts have made this a centerpiece of GOP campaigns.

Abortion and the overturning of Roe

Attendees of the abortion rights march and protest at the Minnesota State Capitol on July 17, 2022.

Abortion became a major election issue after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in June. DFLers are making it a centerpiece of their campaigns, especially in crucial suburban districts. Republicans say public safety and inflation are more top-of-mind for voters.

Campaign finance 2022

Money can’t buy you love but it can buy you ads. Which candidates are ahead in the money race? And which political committees are shelling out big money in independent expenditures?

Hennepin County Attorney 2022

Candidates Martha Holton Dimick and Mary Moriarty at the forum put on by the League of Women Voters inside the gym of the Sojourner Truth Academy in north Minneapolis.

Hennepin County has a high-profile county attorney race and a sheriff contest on the November ballot. In the county attorney race, Martha Holton Dimick and Mary Moriarty are facing off to replace longtime top prosecutor Mike Freeman. After Hennepin County Sheriff Dave Hutchinson announced he would not seek reelection following a drunken driving arrest, the county’s top cop job is open. Joseph Banks and Dawanna Witt are vying to win it.

2022 polling

MinnPost conducted statewide opinion polls in early June and October, gauging Minnesota voters’ views on the candidates, as well as issues like abortion, public safety and inflation.

Other 2022 election

photo of hands putting sample ballot into ballot dropbox slot — Minnesota statute now officially defines a drop box as a secure receptacle or container that is accessible 24 hours a day.