Pearson, KathrynJacobs, Lawrence R2018-11-052018-11-052018-11-03https://hdl.handle.net/11299/200744The “Transparency and Minnesota Public Affairs” project improves awareness of how the state’s democratic process works. This is a project of the Center for the Study of Politics and Governance at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs, University of Minnesota. We are grateful for the contributions of Madeline Salucka and Matthew Motta. The authors are solely responsible for the content of this report. Other parties who use or draw conclusions from this research are solely responsible for their own views, which do not necessarily reflect those of the original authors. This research is supported by a grant from the McKnight Foundation.Nearly $34 million has flowed into Minnesota’s campaigns for Governor, Attorney General, and Statehouse. Overall spending to support DFL candidates for state government is greater than overall spending for GOP candidates. Republican candidates have a financial advantage over DFL candidates in the battle for control of the Minnesota House of Representatives, particularly in the most competitive races. Of the 23 battleground statehouse races, GOP candidates are outspending their DFL counterparts in 16 districts. Independent expenditures from parties, groups, corporations, unions, and associations are flooding Minnesota, helping to create disparities in spending for DFL and GOP candidates. Big donors dominate the gubernatorial contest. The majority of money in both candidates’ campaign coffers comes from individual checks of over $500.encampaign spendingMinnesotaelectionsReport