Political Ratings Experts: Minnesota Governor’s Race Now A Toss-Up

With former GOP Governor Tim Pawlenty entering the 2018 gubernatorial race, ratings agencies are moving Minnesota towards the GOP column and are now calling the contest a toss-up.

Larry Sabato’s Crystal Ball has called the Minnesota governor’s race one of the GOP’s “best targets”  this November, and on Friday moved Minnesota from “Lean Democrat” to “Toss-Up,” citing Pawlenty’s decision to enter the race.  “Pawlenty is a serious enough candidate to move the needle,” said Kyle Kondik, the site’s managing editor.

Crystal Ball joins the Cook Political Report in rating the Minnesota governor’s race as a toss-up.

With Minnesota trending red, numerous competitive congressional races and a top-tier GOP gubernatorial candidate, the Minnesota governor’s race is now a top pick up opportunity for Republicans this November.