KAXE contacted every candidate up to three times using contact information submitted to the Secretary of State's Office to invite them to participate in our Election Guide.
Candidate responses have not been edited and are published as submitted.
As necessary, our news team added contextual information clearly marked with an "editor's note" and in italics. We will make every effort to make note of inaccuracies if they come to our attention.
Please contact our news team at news@kaxe.org with questions or comments or to report any errors.
KAXE's Primary Election Guide only includes races where enough candidates filed to trigger a primary. Visit our full list of who's running for office in Northern Minnesota to see who else will be on the ballot in November.
About this race
Democratic Sen. Tina Smith is retiring. She has represented Minnesota in Washington since 2018, when she was appointed after Sen. Al Franken resigned.
The winner of this primary will face the winner of the Democratic primary and independent candidates in the general election in November.
Remember: In the primaries, you can only vote for candidates from one political party. If you vote for candidates from more than one party, your vote won't be counted. You decide which party you will vote for, as Minnesota doesn't have political party registration.
Click the tabs below to learn more about the candidates
KAXE did not receive a response from this candidate.
KAXE did not receive a response from this candidate.
Website: drahmadhassan.com
KAXE did not receive a response from this candidate.
Website: joycelacey.com
Party endorsed? No
Age on Election Day: 64
Community: Ashby, Minnesota (Commuting to the Twin Cities for work)
Employment: I am the Director of the June Lynne Lacey Foundation which serves vulnerable adults and children, the elderly, disabled and our veterans by providing meals, necessities, groceries, clothing, holiday gifts, scholarships for graduating seniors and accessible playground equipment for physically challenged children.
Please share any prior experience and education that you believe qualifies you for office.
I am VP of Community Engagement for the Navy League of the United States, Minnesota Council. I serve on the Board of Directors for Minnesota Women in Film & Television and as Chaplain for both the American Legion Auxiliary, Unit 357 & the Association of the United States Army, General Vessey Chapter. I have served on the Board of Directors for the Ambassadors of the St. Paul Winter Carnival, on the Steering Committee for the Susan G.Komen Race for the Cure & the Leadership Committee for the American Cancer Society Relay for Life. For over thirty years, I have volunteered with the MS Society, Salvation Army, Union Gospel Mission, American Diabetes Association & St. Paul Winter Carnival. I hold three Degrees & have worked on numerous films, in television, as a reporter, a teacher & a pastor. All of these experiences qualify me for this position.
Why are you running?
I am running for US Senate to stop the corruption and fraud in Minnesota, to help balance the budget and get a handle on our 39+ Trillion National Debt, to enact campaign finance and election reform initiatives, to work to control inflation while growing the economy, to end human trafficking in all forms (advocating for human rights), to redouble our efforts to end homelessness and ensure affordable housing, to stop involuntary, abusive, for profit, fraudulent guardianships and conservatorships & to assist veterans. My campaign centers on advocating for marginalized voices, promoting justice and security for all individuals and implementing systemic changes to ensure stability. This involves acknowledging past sacrifices, prioritizing comprehensive reforms & empowering otherwise marginalized communities to build a more fair and more secure future for generations to come.
Why should voters choose you to advance to the general election?
I believe voters should choose me, as I am a true voice for the people! I pledge to defend our freedom and US Constitutional Rights. My past experience, education and public service define me as the best qualified candidate for this position. In addition, I have made it clear that our campaign will not take contributions from special interest groups (such as Big Pharma) that may cause harm to the people. I will not be beholden to vote against my conscience and against anything that might harm the people. I believe campaign funds should rather be spent helping the people, such as for food selves, rather than on commercials and print ads that only promote the candidate. I pledge to protect America's future. As a proven leader with over forty years of experience, leadership and community service, I am clearly the most qualified candidate for US Senate.
What are your top three priorities, if elected? Please describe specific policy goals.
First, we must initiate Guardianship & Conservatorship Reforms, making sure that no human being is involuntarily kidnapped and forced into a Probate Court where they are regarded as mere property (having their identity, all their life savings & property stripped from them). This Modern Day Slavery must end. We need a law, like Karilyn's Law in New York. We must pass a Bill to enforce the Wards Bill of Rights & stop all forms of human trafficking. Second, we must work to control inflation while growing the economy and put an end to fraud. Finally, we must redouble our efforts to uphold our US Constitution & Declaration of Independence. Our unalienable Rights must be protected for generations to come
What immigration policies do you support?
I support US Immigration Policy that is governed by the Immigration & Nationality Act, which provides pathways for family reunification, employment based immigration and humanitarian relief. I do not condone illegal immigration. All persons should go through the proper channels and be screened for criminal records.
How would you work to reduce the impact of Medicaid cuts on rural communities?
I would leverage community health models, diversify healthcare revenue & expand telehealth access. Because rural hospitals and clinics operate on very thin margins, mitigating these financial & care losses requires strategic, localized adaption to keep essential services open. We must implement value based care & work with the Minnesota Department of Health to apply for RHTP funds to ensure that the maximum allowable share for provider payments is utilized. In addition, we should convert struggling facilities into Rural Health Clinics or Federally Qualified Health Centers to secure more stable safety net funding. Finally, by applying for the FCC's Connect2Health Task Force programs, we would expand broadband access and telehealth capabilities.
Editor’s note: Minnesota has already successfully applied for Rural Health Transformation Program funds.
Many Minnesotans are struggling to afford their basic needs. How do you plan to help them?
We need both immediate crisis relief and long term systemic solutions to help Minnesotans afford basic needs. We must expand our social safety nets, lower the cost of living through policy changes, provide localized direct aid & connect individuals to essential financial resources. 211.org is available to help with emergency housing, utility bills & healthcare. We must ensure these resources and others such as SNAP for food assistance & MFIP for cash assistance remain viable for years to come. I would encourage Community lead and grassroots initiatives such as local food shelves, free groceries for neighbors in need and clothing drives. I would advocate for programs like the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Child Tax Credit which put money directly back into the pockets of low & middle income workers & I would support zoning reforms & Public funding aimed at increasing the supply of affordable housing.
Website: gowithmunro.com
KAXE did not receive a response from this candidate.
Website: schwarzeforsenate.com
KAXE did not receive a response from this candidate.
Website: micheletafoya.com
Party endorsed? No
Age on Election Day: 61
Community: I live in Edina.
Employment: Many Minnesotans likely recognize me from my nearly three decades as a sideline reporter in sports broadcasting, where I worked for stations like KFAN as well as networks including CBS, ABC, ESPN, and NBC. Before announcing my candidacy for the U.S. Senate in January, I hosted my own political podcast. Since then, I have been campaigning full time across Minnesota, traveling the state, meeting voters in all 87 counties, and listening to the issues that matter most to them.
Please share any prior experience and education that you believe qualifies you for office.
In my nearly three decades as a sports broadcast journalist, I was lucky to cover some of the biggest sports moments in America, including five Super Bowls and five Olympic Games. Those high-pressure environments–researching and reporting on the most powerful names in professional sports–taught me how to call it like I see it and dig deep for the facts. That same commitment to truth and tough questions is exactly what Minnesota needs in its next U.S. Senator.
I’m not a career politician. I’m an outsider who will challenge the status quo in Washington and fight for families who feel forgotten by the political class. I also earned my MBA from the University of Southern California, which strengthened my ability to analyze complex issues and deliver results.
Minnesotans deserve a Senator with real-world experience, proven integrity, and fresh perspective. I’m ready to bring that to the job.
Why are you running?
I am running for the U.S. Senate to help restore integrity and reclaim Minnesota’s reputation. Our state has become a national punchline for waste and abuse of taxpayer dollars. This is unacceptable. Minnesotans deserve better than the scandals that have damaged their trust. We need elected officials who will deliver real accountability and fiscal responsibility. I will make combating fraud my number one priority in the U.S. Senate.
Additionally, we need a U.S. Senator who will fight for secure borders, safe communities, and policies that put Minnesota families first. Minnesotans are ready for common-sense, principled representation in Washington that puts our state first. I am ready to provide that leadership.
Why should voters choose you to advance to the general election?
I’m asking Republican voters to choose me because I’m the proven, electable conservative who will bring some Minnesota common sense to Washington.
Minnesotans know me from years of straight-talking journalism and my deep roots here. I’m a fighter who listens. I’ve traveled more than 14,000 miles (and counting!) across all 87 counties and achieved record-setting fundraising with millions raised from tens of thousands of energized donors. That broad support proves I can unite our party and win in November.
This is our best shot at flipping this open seat. I’m excited to earn your vote, and I’m ready to win this Senate seat and deliver real change for Minnesota families.
What are your top three priorities, if elected? Please describe specific policy goals.
1. Combatting waste, fraud and abuse, because every dollar stolen by fraud is a dollar taken from hardworking Minnesotans who are already struggling with high costs. We must root out fraud, hold enablers accountable, and protect taxpayer money so we can deliver real affordability relief. I will immediately co-sponsor the Deporting Fraudsters Act.
2. Secure our elections so every legal vote counts and Minnesotans can trust the process. I will support the SAVE America Act.
3. Support law enforcement and keep our communities safe. This includes backing bills like the Laken Riley Act to give local agencies the tools they need to detain illegal immigrants.
Editor’s note: The Laken Riley Act was signed into law in January.
What immigration policies do you support?
I will support common-sense immigration policies that put American workers and families first. Our current system has become too confusing and broken for people trying to do things the right way.
I will fight to secure our southern border, enforce our immigration laws, and end catch-and-release. I do not support amnesty. As your Senator, I’ll work to restore order, protect Minnesota communities and resources, and ensure our immigration is fair, lawful, and serves the interests of the people of Minnesota.
Minnesotans deserve safety and sovereignty, and I’m ready to deliver both.
How would you work to reduce the impact of Medicaid cuts on rural communities?
Rural Minnesota communities deserve real solutions, not more empty promises from Washington. I will work to reform Medicaid by rooting out waste, fraud, and abuse so we can protect access to care for those that need it most.
The Affordable Care Act promised affordability but delivered higher costs and declining access. Career politicians have failed Minnesotans for decades. It’s time for a change.
In the Senate, I’ll work to increase competition amongst providers, expand price transparency, and put patients and doctors back in control of health care decisions. My goal is patient-first healthcare that actually works. As an outsider with no allegiance to the broken status quo, I’ll deliver the common-sense reforms that families across Minnesota deserve.
Many Minnesotans are struggling to afford their basic needs. How do you plan to help them?
Affordability is crushing Minnesota families, from groceries to gas to unaffordable housing and energy bills. I will never vote for reckless spending bills like the so-called “Inflation Reduction Act” that drove up costs for working families. Instead, I’ll fight to cut the costly federal regulations that strangle small businesses, discourage hiring, and raise prices on everything.
We must also unleash American energy production to lower energy costs and keep dollars in Minnesota pockets instead of overseas.
As your Senator, I’ll bring the same straight-talking, no nonsense approach I used as a journalist to Washington. Hold the line on spending, reduce government overreach, and put Minnesota families first. You deserve a Senator who fights for lower costs and real relief.
Website: tomweiler2026.com
Party endorsed? No
Age on Election Day: 49
Community: Eden Prairie. I also spend a lot of time on my uncle's farms outside of Morris and in the Longville area near our family's cabin.
Employment: Leave of Absence
Please share any prior experience and education that you believe qualifies you for office.
All of my life and professional experiences led me to this point, even though this was never the plan. My plan was to be a leader in the US Submarine Force, however, that plan was derailed by a diagnosis of Early Onset Parkinson's Disease at Walter Reed in 2018, eventually ending my service in the Navy. I believe when one door shuts, another opens - for a reason.
Throughout my 2o year career as a Submarine Officer, I not only operated nuclear reactors, guided watchteams and led submarines on deployments around the world, I also developed billion dollar budgets and border security plans at the Pentagon, drafted legislation on Capitol Hill, conducted humanitarian operations, and partook in public and foreign policy efforts. I have professional experience and real world knowledge of the majority of major topics and issues that the Senate works on -- much more than any other candidate.
Why are you running?
To solve problems to improve your life, the lives of all Minnesotans, and to bring Minnesotans together.
Every Minnesotan I have met on the campaign trail agrees on two things:
• We have problems in Minnesota
• No politician wants to roll up their sleeves and tackle the issues.
I will leverage 25 years of real-world, relevant experience in national security, operating & leading submarines, public & foreign policy, budgeting, engineering, critical infrastructure, and nuclear power operations to solve problems, make life more affordable for Minnesotans, and torpedo the do-nothing status quo in our United States Senate.
The majority of my solutions involve fixing/shrinking the government, so the governments in St Paul and D.C. focus on serving you, Minnesotans, and not on the beuacracy.
Why should voters choose you to advance to the general election?
1. I am the most experienced and knowlegeable on issues within the Senate's portfolio.
2. I will solve problems.
3. I can W.I.N. (Win In November)
Affordability: Your affordability improves when:
- Fraud is caught, stopped and punished
- Government actually budgets (the verb to budget - to determine how much you have to spend, what you need, and what is not needed)
- More, better paying jobs in Minnesota
- Unplug from China, Connect to Minnesota Initiative
The leadership and moral standards forged by leading men and women at sea in demanding, vital and high stakes missions will enable me to build teams of support and pass legislation that improves the lives of Minnesotans and all Americans.
What are your top three priorities, if elected? Please describe specific policy goals.
After listening to Minnesotans, top 3 issues are affordability, fraud, and the growing feeling of division between Minnesotans.
Solutions:
Life more affordable by eliminating fraud, less government waste, responsible budgeting, and most impactfully, developing a growing economy producing more, higher paying jobs. Here's how:
Fraud – Accountability Bill, jail time for offenders, investigate at the speed of relevancy to create a deterrent effect
Waste & Budgeting – No Budget, No Fundraising Bill proposal. My bill would require Congress to pass a budget by September 31st. If no budget passed, no fundraising, no pay, and no travel for Members of Congress
Growing Economy & Better Jobs – Unplug from China, Connect to Minnesota Initiative Competitive state taxes, mine valuable resources in our northern ranges, & reduce government regulations on agriculture
Eliminate Gerrymandering with my “Strikeout Gerrymandering Bill”
Elect Senators of Character, not Characters
What immigration policies do you support?
Complete Border Security Infrastructure
Codify into law the policies to maintain border secured
Self Deport, Self-Report or Head Out Bill
- All illegal immigrants who entered our country on or after January 1, 2020:
- Self Deport Opportunity: Receive stipend and trip home. Potential to legally immigrate in future if you self-report. Those who do not self report will be deported when detained.
- All illegal immigrants who entered the United States prior to January 1, 2020:
- Self Report your illegal immigration status
- Provide proof of employment, paying taxes, positively contributing to American society
- Self Report material is reviewed by Department of Homeland Security in coordination with IRS, Labor, etc.
- If upstanding performance by illegal immigrant, pathway to permanet status in the United States
- Self-Report window is 6-months, if Self-Report does not occur. Illegal immigrants will be deported if detained. No pathway to Citizenship
How would you work to reduce the impact of Medicaid cuts on rural communities?
Again, creating a better business environment to produce, more, better, and higher paying jobs will increase all Minnesotans overall affordability.
Specifically regarding Medicad cuts, State funds should be made available to plus up rural medical care budgets. Additionaly, if renundant medical services are available at private State, and Vetrans Affairs funded facilities, patient cross-over would be optimized.
Many Minnesotans are struggling to afford their basic needs. How do you plan to help them?
Affordability: All Minnesotans lives will become more affordable if:
- Fraud is stopped and money recouped
- Less fedral government waste
- More, better and higher paying jobs in Minnesota
- Unplug from China, Connect to Minnesota Initiative
Website: roycewhite.us
KAXE did not recieve a response from this candidate.
Still have questions for the candidates? Contact information for all those who've filed to run for office can be found at candidates.sos.state.mn.us.
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Lorie Shaull/Special to KAXEThe library matched the anonymous matching donation for $30,000 it received in June 2026. A larger fundraising goal is aimed at increasing public hours in 2027. -
Contributed/University of Wisconsin-Madison Space Science and Engineering CenterDue to smoke from Boundary Waters wildfires, the MPCA issued air quality alerts for large parts of Minnesota. The alert lasts until at least Friday, July 16, 2026. -
During the Phenology Report for the week of July 14, 2026 Staff Phenologist John Latimer remarks on blooming basswoods, hawks hunting in harvested fields, and more. -
Contributed/Max Nesterak / Minnesota ReformerThe evidence includes body camera footage, officer statements and the Honda Pilot in which Good was killed, all of which the federal government had previously refused to turn over.
