Record-turnout primary sets Flanagan-Tafoya U.S. Senate matchup
Michele Tafoya won the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate in Minnesota's primary on August 11.[1]
Unofficial data from the Minnesota Secretary of State show more than 1,103,000 ballots were cast statewide in the August 11 primary, roughly a 25% turnout.[2] Secretary of State Steve Simon said the high turnout showed Minnesotans "value democracy" and noted the State Canvassing Board will review the results on August 18.[2]
This is the first Minnesota primary to clear 1 million votes, eclipsing the 2018 record of 925,554 ballots.[2]
Tafoya's win locks in the GOP nominee and moves the race to the general election this fall, where the Senate seat will be decided.
Show source details & analysis (2 sources)
📌 Key Facts
- Unofficial data from the Secretary of State show that more than 1,103,000 ballots were cast statewide in the August 11 primary, roughly a 25% turnout.
- This is the first Minnesota primary to clear 1 million votes.
- The new total eclipses the 2018 record of 925,554 ballots.
- Secretary of State Steve Simon publicly framed the high turnout as evidence that Minnesotans value democracy.
- Simon pointed to the August 18 State Canvassing Board review date as the next step in processing the primary results.
📰 Source Timeline (2)
Follow how coverage of this story developed over time
August 12, 2026
3:46 PM
Minnesota voters set primary record surpassing 1 million ballots cast
New information:
- Unofficial data from the Secretary of State show more than 1,103,000 ballots cast statewide in the August 11 primary, roughly 25% turnout.
- This is the first Minnesota primary to clear 1 million votes, eclipsing the 2018 record of 925,554 ballots.
- Secretary of State Steve Simon publicly framed the turnout as evidence that Minnesotans value democracy and highlighted the August 18 State Canvassing Board review date.