Federal Offices: Washington Impact
Voters across Minnesota will make decisions that shape the state's influence in Washington, D.C. One of Minnesota's two U.S. Senate seats will be on the ballot for a six-year term. Senators represent the entire state in the upper chamber of Congress, dealing with national legislation, confirming presidential appointments, and ratifying treaties. Additionally, all eight of Minnesota's seats in the U.S. House of Representatives are up for election. Representatives serve two-year terms, advocating for the specific needs of their district while voting on federal laws and budgets.
Statewide Executive Offices: The Top Jobs in St. Paul
All of Minnesota's constitutional executive officers are up for four-year terms. This includes the Governor and Lieutenant Governor, who serve as the state's chief executives,
responsible for signing bills into law and overseeing state agencies. The Attorney General, the state's top lawyer and chief legal officer, will also be elected. Voters will choose the Secretary of State, who manages elections and business filings, and the State Auditor, who serves as the public's watchdog over government spending. These roles are crucial for the day-to-day administration and legal oversight of the state government.
The Entire State Legislature: Where Laws are Made
Control of the Minnesota Legislature is at stake, as every single seat in both chambers is on the 2026 ballot. All 134 seats in the Minnesota House of Representatives are up for their standard two-year terms. In a less common occurrence, all 67 seats in the Minnesota Senate will also be up for election. State senators typically serve four-year terms, but the cycle includes a two-year term following redistricting, putting the entire chamber before voters this year. These legislators create and pass state laws, set the budget, and confirm certain gubernatorial appointments, making their elections incredibly impactful on state policy.
Judicial Seats: Interpreting the Law
Minnesota voters will also elect judges in nonpartisan races. Several judicial seats will be on the ballot, including for the Minnesota Supreme Court, the state's highest court, and the Minnesota Court of Appeals, the intermediate appellate court. Seats for District Court judges, who preside over trial courts at the county level, will also be up for election across the state. These elections are critical for shaping the interpretation and application of state laws for years to come.
Local Government: The Officials Closest to Home
Perhaps the most immediately felt elections are those for local office. Depending on where you live, your ballot may include races for County Commissioner, County Attorney, and County Sheriff, who oversee county budgets, prosecution, and law enforcement. Many municipalities will hold elections for Mayor and City Council members. Furthermore, School Board members will be elected to make crucial decisions about local education policy and funding. Voters may also encounter Township Officers and specific local ballot questions addressing everything from public works projects to local ordinances.
