If big donors tell the whole story, then Trina Swanson will run away with the 8th District Democratic primary.
A third of the former federal worker's donations have come from big contributors within the district, like a former law professor in Effie, a retired researcher in Duluth and a woodworker in Bovey.
Swanson's $326,000 in fundraising is significantly more than her biggest primary challenger, former reality TV personality Luke Gulbranson, and only $6,000 of his $201,000 raised came from big donors in the district.
But the two have received a similar amount in small donations, which are reported as a lump sum, without breaking down who or where they're from.
Both candidates are still significantly behind Stauber in fundraising. The Republican raised $900,000 so far this year and has additional funds available from 2025.
But before the Dems can shift their focus to flipping a reliably red district, Swanson or Gulbranson must make it through the Aug. 11 primary.
Swanson easily won the party endorsement in April, despite a crowded field of candidates. After years working for the federal government, Swanson left her role with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services after she said the Trump administration asked her to carry out directives she believed were unethical. She returned to her hometown, Hermantown, started an immigration law firm and is now vying to challenge Republican Rep. Pete Stauber to represent northeast Minnesota.
Gulbranson, a late entrant to the race, withdrew himself from the endorsement process at the convention. He announced his campaign just weeks before it, saying he had returned to his native Eveleth and wanted to lower costs and protect access to healthcare.
"A common misconception we've seen is that Luke's donations are not heavily based in Minnesota, which is false," Gulbranson's campaign said in a written response to questions. "Since donors under $200 are 'unitemized' and not reported on the filings, people unfamiliar with FEC [Federal Election Commission] reports may miss that Luke has a broad base of in-district and Minnesotan donors who are proud to support his campaign."
In a written response to questions, Swanson said 85% of her campaign contributions came from 8th District small-dollar donors, while Gulbranson had mostly out-of-state contributions.
"I am so proud of the grassroots, Minnesota-based campaign that we have built. I am born and raised in Minnesota, and Minnesota voters are my friends and family," she wrote. "... I show up to meet voters, hear their concerns and hopes for the future, and share my vision for Minnesota. Many contributions have come directly from those conversations, often a few dollars at a time dropped into a donation jar at the front of the room as we discuss the issues of the day."
Big donors reflect candidate backgrounds
Swanson and Gulbranson's donor lists reflect their unique backgrounds.
Gulbranson's is dotted with connections in the entertainment industry, like Summer House co-stars Lindsay Hubbard, Kyle Cooke and Carl Radke, and his new career in luxury real estate.
He's received $1,000 from The Eagles' Don Henley and $500 from Michigan Sec. of State Jocelyn Benson, also a gubernatorial candidate.
"Luke's major donors are a mix of longtime friends and new supporters from around the country that are interested in stopping Trump and Pete Stauber from making healthcare more out of reach," Gulbranson's campaign stated.
Gulbranson has 74 unique donors, while Swanson has 280.
Swanson's donor list shows the support of local DFLers, including former candidates Lorrie Janatopoulos and Julie Samsal Hipp.
She's also received support from Washington, D.C., donors, including some still working for federal immigration services.
"I am incredibly proud of my 25-year career in public service in the federal government. Throughout that time, I was able to build meaningful relationships with individuals like me who are dedicated to making government work for the people," Swanson said. "I was honored to have some of their support for my campaign, and if elected, I look forward to leveraging this experience."
PAC money
Both candidates have vowed not to accept corporate PAC money and have stuck to it.
Swanson and Gulbranson accepted $1,000 donations from Summitt PAC, a leadership political action committee affiliated with southeastern Minnesota Rep. Angie Craig, who is running for U.S. Senate.
Swanson said both Craig and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, who is also running for Senate, have been "incredibly supportive" of her campaign, and she's accepted contributions from both, citing a $100 donation directly from Flanagan.
Gulbranson's campaign said he plans on supporting Craig and "is grateful for her support."
Craig's PAC has also donated to 7th District Democrat Erik Osberg.
Gulbranson's campaign received $2,500 from AFSCME's PAC. The union endorsed him in July.
He has also received $10,000 from the No Surrender Fund, which describes itself as pro-America, anti-Trump.
"The No Surrender Fund is an ideological group, not one aligned with a corporation," Gulbranson's campaign wrote. " ... This is a group dedicated to supporting pro-democracy Democrats in swing districts."
In addition to Craig, Swanson has also received $1,000 from Twin Cities Rep. Betty McCollum's leadership PAC. McCollum has endorsed Swanson.
Women Winning donated $5,000 to Swanson. The organization said it is nonpartisan and aims to elect pro-choice candidates.
Save the Boundary Waters also donated $500 to Swanson.
