Top-Tier Dem Gubernatorial Recruit Says No To Minnesota Governor’s Race

In another sign that Minnesota Democrats are concerned about the changing political landscape in their state, a top-tier Democratic candidate announced over the weekend that she would not enter the governor’s race.

Minnesota Attorney General Lori Swanson was “considered a top contender for her party’s nomination for governor,” and was assumed to be preparing a run. But as the Star Tribune reports, Swanson ended “months of speculation that she would enter the race for governor” and decided to run for re-election instead.

Swanson’s decision means that her party is left with B-Team candidates without strong name recognition and fundraising capacity. The Star Tribune explains that as a result, “DFL candidates and operatives say the party’s voters are concerned about winning” the governor’s race.

Minnesota’s weak democratic field and changing political landscape make it a top pickup opportunity for Republicans heading into the 2018 election.