Gov. Tim Walz announced Friday that he raised more than $1 million in 2019 for his reelection, but he won’t face voters again until 2022.
A press release announcing the fundraising haul was initially posted on the official website for the governor’s office, but was later deleted. The fundraising total is a record for a Minnesota governor in his first year in office.
Senate Republicans reported raising $1.3 million in 2019 while House Democrats raised $1.6 million in the non-election year. The House DFL’s fundraising total marks the most money raised in a non-election year by a legislative party unit in state history, according to Matt Wagenius, a communications director for the House DFL.
Minnesota is currently the only state in the nation with a divided state government, but that could change this year, since every member of the House and Senate will be on the ballot.
“Momentum is one our side,” House Speaker Melissa Hortman (DFL-Brooklyn Park) said in a statement. “Our record-breaking fundraising numbers reflect that Minnesotans are tired of President Trump and Republicans who consistently work to divide us based on what we look like, where we’re from, or where we live. The Minnesota House DFL will keep working until our bold, progressive vision for a Minnesota that works better for everyone is a reality.”
Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka (R-Nisswa) touted his caucus’ efforts in providing “a check on the far-left agenda of Gov. Tim Walz and House Democrats.”
The Minnesota DFL Party announced Thursday it raised more than $8.1 million in 2019 and entered 2020 with more than $650,000 in cash on hand.
“Our record-breaking fundraising is proof that DFLers are fired up and ready to win races up and down the ballot in November,” DFL Chairman Ken Martin said in a press release.“The unprecedented grassroots support our party received from DFLers in every single county in Minnesota has ensured the DFL has the resources to take on the Trump campaign, take back the State Senate, and defend the incredible gains we made in 2018. Our party is entering 2020 with a terrific slate of candidates, a great team of organizers, and tons of supporters across Minnesota that are ready to get to work electing DFLers.”
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Anthony Gockowski is managing editor of The Minnesota Sun and The Ohio Star. Follow Anthony on Twitter. Email tips to [email protected].
