We’re less than two months from election day on November 6. As you’re likely aware, this is a pretty important national election. A great way to get involved during this critical time is with a local campaign. Turning out voters for local DFL candidates (as the Democratic Party is known in Minnesota) means you’ve likely turned out votes for Democratic candidates all the way up the ballot: for governor, the state legislature, and US House and Senate races.
If you live in Minneapolis, the most consequential 2018 races are for offices in Hennepin County. If you care about policing, there’s the sheriff’s race. If you care about criminal justice issues, there’s the county attorney. If you care about housing, transit, health care, and human services, there are two competitive races for the Hennepin County Board, which controls a massive budget of $2.4 billion (for context, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey recently proposed a 2019 budget of $1.6 billion). You should find a reason to feel strongly about one or more of the candidates below. They need your help over the next two months.
Please note: this list is for informational purposes only. These are not endorsements. Some of the candidates listed below are terrible. Wedge LIVE endorsements will be announced at a later time. For more information about these candidates, and those in next door Ramsey County, consult MSP Votes.
Hennepin County Board District 2
Irene Fernando (DFL endorsed) – Volunteer – Donate
Blong Yang – Volunteer – Donate
Hennepin County Board District 4
Angela Conley – Volunteer – Donate
Peter McLaughlin (incumbent) – Donate
Hennepin County Attorney
Mike Freeman (incumbent) – Donate
Mark Haase (DFL endorsed) – Volunteer – Donate
Hennepin County Sheriff
Dave Hutch (DFL endorsed) – Volunteer – Donate
Rich Stanek (Republican, incumbent)
Minneapolis School Board At-Large
Kimberly Caprini (DFL endorsed) – Donate
Rebecca Gagnon (incumbent) – Donate
Josh Pauly (DFL endorsed) – Volunteer – Donate
Sharon El-Amin – Volunteer – Donate