Becky Scherr and Michael Brodkorb preview Minnesota’s 2026 primary with a deep dive into fundraising reports covering January 1 through July 20. They note Sen. Amy Klobuchar’s massive advantage in the governor’s race, with $9.3 million raised and approximately $4.4 million cash on hand, compared with Republican candidates.
They discuss questions around Mike Lindell’s reporting and unlisted recent spending, and argue Lisa Demuth’s operation appears more credible and would receive a public subsidy if she wins the primary. They review other statewide and party fundraising totals, highlighting the Minnesota DFL’s large edge over the MN GOP.
The episode then turns to DFL U.S. Senate primary drama: Sen. John Hoffman’s claim that Angie Craig sought his endorsement while he was recovering, Craig’s denial and supporting texts, and Gwen Walz’s endorsement of Craig over Peggy Flanagan, with discussion of timing, messaging, and fraud politics.
The episode closes with an announcement of a primary-night livestream on August 11th!
00:00 — Welcome, Preview, and Fundraising Reports Setup: Opening remarks and a frame for the episode’s focus on campaign finance reports and what the money race reveals about the 2026 field.
01:24 — Governor Race Money Gap: Lindell, Qualls, and Demuth: A breakdown of the fundraising gap in the governor’s race, questions around Lindell’s spending, and what Qualls and Demuth’s numbers signal about their campaign strength.
15:51 — Prediction Markets, Downballot Fundraising, and Party War Chests: What prediction markets are saying about the governor’s race, a rundown of downballot fundraising totals, and the state of party and caucus war chests heading into the primary.
30:33 — Senate Primary Drama: The Hoffman Endorsement Allegation:The Senate primary heats up with an endorsement allegation involving Hoffman, Craig’s denial, questions about timing and documentation, and how campaigns should be responding communications-wise.
46:10 — Gwen Walz Endorses Craig and Fraud Messaging Fallout: A breakdown of Gwen Walz’s endorsement of Angie Craig, the political implications, and how fraud messaging is playing out and affecting the primary landscape.
54:40 — Banking Endorsements and the Klobuchar Seat Hypothetical: A look at the endorsement banking playbook campaigns are running, followed by a hypothetical discussion about what happens to Klobuchar’s Senate seat if she wins the governor’s race.
01:06:24 — Primary Night Wrap-UpFinal thoughts and a preview of what to watch on primary night.
The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky will return with a new episode next week!
Get full access to On The Record with Michael Brodkorb at michaelbrodkorb.substack.com/subscribe