Minnesota Primary Election Results 2026 LIVE: Minnesota voters are casting ballots Tuesday, August 11, in a closely watched primary election that will determine which candidates advance to the November general election. The biggest contests include the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate, the Republican Senate race and competitive party contests for governor.
The Democratic Senate primary has drawn national attention as Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan faces U.S. Rep. Angie Craig for the Democratic nomination to replace retiring Sen. Tina Smith. On the Republican side, candidates including Michele Tafoya, Adam Schwarze, Royce White and Tom Weiler are competing for their party’s Senate nomination.
The governor’s race is also being closely watched. U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar is seeking the Democratic nomination, while the Republican field includes Mike Lindell, Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth and Kendall Qualls, among others. Reuters described the Minnesota gubernatorial primary as a test of ideological divisions within the parties and former President Donald Trump’s influence among Republican voters.
Minnesota Primary Election Results 2026 LIVE: Polls Close at 8 p.m.
Minnesota’s primary election is being held on Tuesday, August 11, 2026. Polls close at 8 p.m. local time, according to the Minnesota Secretary of State. The state allowed early voting from June 26 through August 10. Minnesota election officials reported that more than 206,000 absentee and mail ballots had been accepted as of 9 a.m. Monday, August 10.
Initial results are expected after polls close. However, early vote totals should not automatically be treated as final results because additional precincts and ballots can continue to be reported.
Minnesota Democratic Senate Primary: Peggy Flanagan vs Angie Craig
The Democratic U.S. Senate primary is arguably the most closely watched Minnesota contest of the night. Peggy Flanagan, Minnesota’s lieutenant governor, is running against Angie Craig, a U.S. representative. The winner will become the Democratic nominee for the Senate seat being vacated by Sen. Tina Smith.
The race has also become a broader debate over the future direction of Minnesota Democrats. AP described Craig as representing the party’s more centrist wing, while Flanagan has positioned herself with progressive forces. Reuters similarly highlighted differences between the two candidates, including disagreements involving immigration policy and ICE.
Peggy Flanagan vs Angie Craig: What The Latest Polls Show
Polling heading into Election Day showed a competitive contest, although individual surveys have produced different results. A Public Policy Polling survey released in late July showed Flanagan ahead of Craig 46% to 32% among likely Democratic primary voters. Other polling has shown a closer contest, underscoring why the official vote count will be more important than pre-election surveys. Live Senate Democratic vote count: Official results are being reported after polls close.
Minnesota Republican Senate Primary: Key Candidates
The Republican Senate primary features a larger field. Among the candidates are Michele Tafoya, Adam Schwarze, Royce White, Tom Weiler, Mark York and Alycia Gruenhagen. The eventual Republican nominee will advance to the November general election and face the Democratic nominee.
The Republican Senate contest is particularly important because Minnesota’s Senate seat is open after Smith decided not to seek another term. Live Republican Senate vote count: Results will be updated as official returns are reported.
Minnesota Governor Primary 2026: Amy Klobuchar Leads Democratic Field
The governor’s race is another major contest on the Minnesota primary ballot. On the Democratic side, U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar is seeking the nomination. She entered the race after Gov. Tim Walz decided not to seek another term, making this Minnesota’s first open governor’s race in eight years. Klobuchar has been the clear Democratic front-runner in pre-election polling and party activity, but the primary vote will determine the official nominee.
Live Democratic governor vote count: Official results are pending and will be updated as returns are reported.
Minnesota Republican Governor Primary: Lindell, Demuth & Qualls In Focus
The Republican gubernatorial primary has attracted significant attention because of the contest between Mike Lindell, Lisa Demuth and Kendall Qualls. Reuters reported that Lindell, who has received Trump’s endorsement, is competing against Demuth and Qualls in a race that could provide another indication of Trump’s influence over Republican primary voters.
A recent SurveyUSA poll cited by Ballotpedia showed Lindell at 34%, Demuth at 28% and Qualls at 17% among likely Republican voters, with a margin of error of plus or minus 5.6 percentage points. Poll results are not election results and should not be used to declare a winner.
Live Republican governor vote count: Official results will determine the party’s nominee.
Minnesota Primary Election Results 2026: Key Races To Watch
Several contests are drawing attention as voters decide the November ballot.
U.S. Senate Democratic Primary
Peggy Flanagan vs Angie Craig is the central Democratic Senate contest. The winner will advance to the November general election.
U.S. Senate Republican Primary
Michele Tafoya, Adam Schwarze, Royce White, Tom Weiler and other candidates are competing for the GOP nomination.
Democratic Governor Primary
Amy Klobuchar is the leading name in the Democratic gubernatorial contest.
Republican Governor Primary
Mike Lindell, Lisa Demuth and Kendall Qualls are among the candidates competing for the GOP nomination.
When Will Minnesota Primary Election Results Be Announced?
Minnesota’s primary is being held on August 11, 2026, with polls closing at 8 p.m.
Results can begin appearing after polls close, but the vote totals are expected to change as counties report additional precincts and ballots. Minnesota’s election procedures also provide for absentee-ballot counting after polls close. The Minnesota Secretary of State’s official election-results page is the authoritative source for certified statewide results.
Minnesota Primary Election Results 2026 LIVE: What Happens Next?
The winners of Tuesday’s partisan primaries will advance to the November 3, 2026, general election. That means the Minnesota Senate primary is especially consequential because voters are choosing the Democratic and Republican nominees for an open U.S. Senate seat. The governor’s primary will similarly determine which candidates will compete for the state’s top elected office in November.
Minnesota Election Results 2026: Live Vote Count Disclaimer
Early election returns are unofficial and can change as additional ballots are counted. A candidate should not be declared the winner solely on the basis of partial returns unless the race has been called by a reliable election-results provider. This live update will be refreshed as verified vote totals, race calls and official announcements become available.
