Independent Groups Pour Millions into Minnesota Races
Special interest groups are spending heavily to influence the balance of power in the Minnesota State Legislature.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Elections
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Independent expenditure groups have invested millions of dollars into key legislative contests across suburban and Greater Minnesota. These funds are primarily targeted at tight races for control of the State Senate and House.
Why it matters
These massive spending figures reflect a broader effort by special interest groups to secure political majorities in the state. Candidates are using these resources to highlight issues like housing, childcare, and overall affordability.
Nine Minnesota Senate races surpassed $1 million in independent expenditures, while several House races saw outside spending exceed $200,000. The Senate race in District 24 alone attracted at least $600,000 in outside funding.
The players
Aric Putnam
Aric Putnam is a state legislative candidate whose Senate race drew $3.5 million in outside spending.
Bernie Perryman
Bernie Perryman is a political candidate competing in a Senate race that became a major magnet for independent expenditure groups.
Carla Nelson
Carla Nelson is an outgoing member of the state Senate who won her 2022 election by a 15 percent margin.
Simon Glaser
Simon Glaser is a candidate for the District 24 state Senate seat who previously assisted with a local school referendum.
Nels Pierson
Nels Pierson is a candidate running for the state Senate seat in District 24.
The details
Special interest groups are fueling campaigns for control of the Legislature through significant independent expenditures. Contests in regions including Rochester and Winona have become focal points for this record-level outside spending.
Timeline
Carla Nelson secured an election victory by a 15 percent margin in 2022.
Simon Glaser helped lead a successful school referendum vote in 2024.
Jake Johnson conducted canvassing efforts in Winona on October 29, 2026.
Voters head to the polls for Election Day on November 3, 2026.
Political Context
The current high levels of independent expenditure in Minnesota legislative races follow a pattern established by the Citizens United v. FEC Supreme Court ruling regarding independent political expenditures. Opponents of this spending often argue that such massive influxes of outside money can drown out local voices and distort the legislative process.
The massive influx of campaign advertising may change how voters perceive the candidates and the priority of issues like childcare and housing in their district. Residents can expect continued high volumes of political communication as Election Day approaches.
The takeaway
Voters should be aware that significant portions of the political advertising they see are funded by groups outside of their local districts. Researching the sources of funding for mailers and digital ads can help clarify which interests are backing specific candidates.
Further reading
For more on the candidates and ballot issues, visit Minnesota Elections.
Source note: This article includes information reported by MinnPost.
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