As a politically conservative Minnesotan......

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Election Night 2026 broadcast

Mitch Berg and I will be conducting a live broadcast tonight as we analyze the results from this midterm election. Definitely a lot at stake for Minnesota given the governor's office, a US Senate seat, all statewide constitutional offices and all 201 legislative seats are up for grabs. 

We'll be on the air from 8:00 PM Central Time until Midnight. 

 You can listen live in the Twin Cities at AM 1280 or, if you're near downtown Minneapolis/West Metro area, 107.5 FM on your radio dial. In and out of the Minneapolis-St Paul area you can listen to the program on the Internet by clicking this link, or check us out via iheart radio as well as Amazon Alexa (just say "Alexa, play The Patriot Minneapolis").

And if you're so inclined, follow along on Twitter at #NARNShow or "Like" our Facebook page.

Until then.....

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Election 2026 prediction

I can't begin to tell you how ecstatic I am that this election cycle is finally coming to a close. Which means we get about a two month reprieve until we start hearing rumblings about the 2028 presidential race. Ugh!

In the meantime, here's how I see this cycle shaking out. 

Minnesota Governor: It's been a while since I've been excited to cast a vote for a GOP gubernatorial candidate, but that's how I felt about voting for Lisa Demuth. The fact she was chosen leader of the Republican caucus in the MN House after being in the Legislature a short time spoke volumes of what her colleagues thought of her. And by all accounts she's been a terrific face and voice for the party. 

Unfortunately, she's going up against arguably one of the 3-4 most popular politicians in Minnesota history in Amy Klobuchar. While Klobee isn't nearly as popular as her first couple of Senate terms, she still has high favorables and thus was elevated as the Dem candidate due to current Gov. Tim Walz turning out to be an utter buffoon. 

Minnesotans deserve a fresh perspective in the Governor's mansion but, sadly, we won't get it. Klobuchar prevails by about 7-10 points. 

U.S. Senate race in MN: Like the gov race, MN Republicans have been blessed with a terrific candidate in Michele Tafoya. Her fundraising prowess combined with her stellar speaking ability (as befits a longtime sports broadcaster) makes her the most formidable Republican Senate candidate Minnesota has had in recent memory. And the fact she drew the vacuous Peggy Flanagan as opposed to Angie Craig in this race means it is in play. 

Alas, I just don't trust enough Minnesotans to do the right thing. Again, I'm desperately hoping I'm wrong here, but I say Peg ekes out a 2-3 point win. 

MN Attorney General: If I was given the choice to have just one statewide race go Republicans' way, it would be tough to choose between Gov and AG. Current Atty General Keith Ellison is one of the most hackish and corrupt elected officials this state has had in as long as I can remember. He barely won his two elections to this office, both against woefully underfunded challengers with low name recognition. GOP candidate Ron Schutz may also not be that well known, but the fact a two-term incumbent AG needs to be propped up with national money tells ya that Schutz is over the target. And while Ellison has tried to hijack credit for the Feds' work in convicting fraudsters, it would appear Minnesotans know better. 

Call this wishful thinking, but I say Ellison is finally sent packing due to Schutz claiming a narrow victory. 

MN Auditor: This is one race where name recognition actually benefits Republicans. While Scott Jensen fell short in the 2022 gubernatorial race, his taking a swing in a different statewide race has benefited him. And he has been consistently leading DFL challenger Zack FIlipovich in polls I've seen. Do I dare predict that the MNGOP prevails in multiple statewide races? Why, yes. Yes, I do. Jensen by about 3-5. 

MN Secretary of State: Incumbent Steve Simon is seeking a third term, being opposed by Republican Tad Jude this cycle. Jude's political ad released a couple of weeks ago went viral, and thus has garnered his candidacy some welcome attention. That combined with the fact he's one of few former office holders that doesn't have a lot of baggage makes him a solid candidate. Will all that be enough? Unfortunately, offices in which people pay little attention to often go the way of the incumbent in an election. Simon by about four. 

MN House: The House is currently deadlocked at 67-67. There are definitely some vulnerable DFL seats this cycle, specifically those decided by less than 1% in 2024: 

• HD 14B - St Cloud area
• HD 48B - Carver County
• HD 54A - Shakopee

The good news is all three GOP challengers from 2024 have once again emerged as candidates this cycle. I've hosted all three on my radio show during this campaign and all have indicated that the rampant fraud in Minnesota is foremost on the minds of voters in their respective districts. 

There's also a district in the Blaine area (32B) which incumbent DFLer Matt Norris won two years ago by just under two points. He's getting a very serious challenge from Leslie Larson, who has run an incredibly aggressive campaign. She's been out on the trail literally almost every day since September 2025! 

There was a story in the Strib recently which indicated that a good number of independent Minnesotans, who have typically voted DFL in these suburban districts, are absolutely on board with the GOP this cycle. If Republicans can hang on to all 67 seats they currently occupy, they need to prevail in only one of the four aforementioned House seats to attain an outright majority. 

I say the GOP emerges with a slim majority, winning anywhere from 68 to 70 seats. 

MN Senate: With the DFL having had a 1-seat majority (34-33) for the past four legislative sessions, each piece of radical legislation passed during the trifecta sessions can be put at the feet of all 34 DFLers. As such, vulnerable Dem incumbents Grant Hauschild, Rob Kupec, Aric Putnam and Judy Seeberger are getting serious challengers from their GOP opponents. The two with the best chances to flip are SDs 3 (Hauschild) and 41 (Seeberger), as both are rematches of 2022 races. That year, Republicans Andrea Zupancich and Tom Dippel lost their respective races by less than 2% each. The one I've harped on most for 4 years is Seeberger, who defeated Dippel by 321 votes. Think about it. We got that entire buffet of lunacy in 2023-24 due to 0.009% of registered voters deciding to vote for Seeberger over Dippel. And Hauschild could very well have an even tougher reelection battle given he supported a ban on "assault weapons" despite representing a heavily pro-gun district. 

On the flip side, incumbent GOP Senators Karin Housley (SD 33) and Jim Abeler (SD 35) barely survived in 2022, and are facing tough reelection prospects this cycle. Again, if Republicans are to seize control of either legislative chamber, they have to hold serve. 

I'm going to cling to the hope that enough independents will swing to the GOP due to the fraud issue. I say the GOP takes the Senate as well with 34-35 members. 

US House delegation from MN: Incumbent Republicans in Congressional Districts 1, 6, 7 and 8 will be reelected, though don't be shocked if CD1 Rep. Brad Finstad has to sweat a bit. 

Incumbent Dems in CDs 3, 4 and 5 will easily win reelection. 

With Rep. Angie Craig not seeking reelection in CD2, it's an open race between DFLer (and former State Senator) Matt Little and GOP State Sen. Eric Pratt. This has been a swing district ever since Republican John Kline retired, but Craig won her fourth term two years ago by double digits. Even though Dems don't have the power of incumbency in this particular race, the Generic Congressional Ballot favors Democrats. As such, Little will (unfortunately) squeak by with a win. 

US House of Representatives: The Democrats will win control of the House (need 218 for a majority). The only question is how many seats will they gain. My best estimate is Dems will get anywhere from 235-240 seats. 

US Senate: Going into this election, Republicans have a 53-47 majority. Right off the bat, I see them losing Ohio (special election for JD Vance's seat, currently occupied by Jon Husted) and North Carolina (Thom Tillis not seeking reelection, clearing the way for popular former Gov. Roy Cooper). 

One realistic chance for a GOP flip this cycle was in Georgia against Dem incumbent Sen. Jon Ossoff. But since the dysfunctional GA GOP decided to prop up Mike Collins as their nominee, they basically punted on that opportunity. 

It's one thing for Republicans to have to play defense in swing states during a potential blue wave year. But to also have to use resources in reliably red states like Texas, Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa and South Carolina means less for potential flips of open seats in Michigan and Minnesota. However, Michigan is still considered a "toss up" race. If indeed the GOP can win there, an outright majority in the Senate is still a possibility. 

The way I see it, the best Republicans can hope for is a 50-50 tie, which would technically give them a majority with VP Vance being a tie breaking vote. 

Just remember that regardless of what happens this evening, take heart that God is in control. He truly will never leave us nor forsake us. 

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Quick Hits: Volume CDXXVIII

- After a certain high-profile US Senate endorsement on Sunday, many non-Trump "Republicans" and far leftists are clearly giving off a vibe of "principled stance for we, not for ye."

I am endorsing Mike Rogers for the United States Senate today. https://t.co/pQgfSBuhOJ

— Haley Stevens (@HaleyforMI) November 1, 2026

So while leftists have fallen all over themselves edifying the likes of Liz Cheney, Adam Kinzinger, Joe Walsh, Cindy McCain. etc. for their principled stances in speaking out against fellow Republican Donald Trump by putting "country over party," it's clear that it's only laudable when such actions help progs amass power. 

Look, if Dems want to criticize Ms. Stevens' stance based on substance (i.e. how supporting Rogers, in their minds, would be detrimental to Michiganders), then make that case. But since they can't adequately assuage Stevens' concerns over El-Sayed's questionable associations, they resort to vile name calling as well as the obligatory hyperbolic labels of "traitor" or "coward." But those labels seem to be a bit misguided since Stevens stands to lose far more than anything she could possibly gain from a political standpoint. 

The Detroit News: Haley Stevens has lost access to Michigan Democrats' voter database, sources tell Her photo has also been removed from the party's website. https://t.co/8PqTC4mcDM

— Politics & Poll Tracker 📡 (@PollTracker2024) November 1, 2026

It's mind-boggling that leftists firmly believe the moral counteraction to Trump is to elevate as their political candidates sexual assaulters, anti-Semites and America haters.....the very traits they all believe Trump himself exudes. 

- With each passing year, I'm feeling this more and more. 

 

“We live in an anarchic world, the entire political class is an enemy of Christ and a servant of evil, that is why even living our simple life without abdicating our Christian principles is a daily confession and martyrdom.” —Elder Justin Pavru of Romania https://t.co/yWsgm64BjU

— Anthony Westgate (@a_westgate) July 22, 2024

To be clear: I will continue to pray for all our elected officials.....even if my human desires don't feel like it. 

- When Republicans have had electoral success on a national level over the past decade or two, Minnesota conservatives have been immune to such fortune. Oftentimes when being on the air for our election night broadcast, I use the phrase "celebrate nationally, but mourn locally." 

In this 2026 cycle, however, there is a nonzero chance that it could be the exact opposite. While I anticipate the national GOP getting routed in US House races and possibly losing the Senate majority, it's possible Minnesota Republicans could attain some long overdue success. 

For months, top Democratic candidates in Minnesota have faced attack ads and tough questions about their role in allowing fraud to proliferate in state government.

In response, they’ve defended their records, deflected blame to outgoing Gov. Tim Walz, and promised to crack down on fraudsters should voters elect them again this week.

Whether those explanations resonate is proving especially important in swing districts in the Twin Cities suburbs, where voters could determine the outcome of several statewide races, including those for U.S. Senate, governor and attorney general.

The Minnesota Star Tribune spoke to about 100 voters in several suburbs over the last week about whom they voted for and why. And while most self-identifying Democrats said they voted exclusively for Democrats, some DFL and independent voters said they were troubled enough by fraud that they split their tickets.

The fact is the rampant fraud issue hasn't necessarily resulted in Minnesota voters suddenly becoming infatuated with Republicans. However, it has definitely ginned up a "Well, they can't possibly be worse than the folks currently in charge" vibe among the electorate. 

While it's highly unlikely that the GOP can take the Governor's mansion, wresting both chambers of the Legislature would be huge. And in a favorable environment for Dems in a state like Minnesota, that would be a monumental upset. 

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The NARN Closer's playlist - 11/1/2026

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You see the recovery always comes 'round again......

We're down to two days for Election Day, so it'll be a final blitz on today's edition of my radio show The Closer. The 2-hour broadcast gets started at 1:00 PM Central Time. 

Right at 1:00 MN Senate candidate Ben Bakeberg will join the program to discuss his candidacy in SD 54 (Shakopee, Prior Lake, Jordan). 

At 1:30, Republican candidate in Minnesota's Fourth Congressional District Paul Wikstrom will check in with an update on his candidacy. 

In non-guest segments, I'll discuss the Hennepin County Attorney looking for a popcorn headline prior to Election Day. 

And finally, regardless of the outcome of Tuesday's election.....let not your heart be troubled. 

So please call (651) 289-4488 if you'd like to weigh in on any of the topics we plan on addressing.

 

You can listen live in the Twin Cities at AM 1280 or, if you're near downtown Minneapolis/West Metro area, 107.5 FM on your radio dial. In and out of the Minneapolis-St Paul area you can listen to the program on the Internet by clicking this link, or check us out via iheart radio as well as Amazon Alexa (just say "Alexa, play The Patriot Minneapolis"). If you're unable to tune in live, please check out my podcast page for the latest show post.

And if you're so inclined, follow along on Twitter at #NARNShow or "Like" our Facebook page, where we also conduct a "Live Stream" of the broadcast.

Until then.....

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2018 pre-election vibes

All indications are that Democrats will have a pretty good day/night this upcoming Election Day, specifically because they're a shoo-in to take the U.S. House of Representatives (I think). And with Republicans seemingly playing defense in what are supposed to be safe GOP Senate seats (i.e. South Carolina, Texas, Kansas, Iowa and Nebraska), there's a decent shot the Dems could seize that chamber as well. 

Nevertheless, I sense that a good number of Dem voters are emulating a Saturday Night Live skit which originally aired just ahead of the 2018 midterms. 

While that was merely satire, it did a good job of reflecting the mindset of Dems who desperately wanted a win against President Donald Trump. And it also accurately portrayed the PTSD leftists endured in the aftermath of their overconfidence in 2016 being shattered. 

Hopefully y'all bought low on lithium stock. 

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BreWWWWers

A family excursion to a Milwaukee Brewers home game in July 2014. The fact I'm donning Brewers gear tells ya how much I love the fam.

Hats off to the Milwaukee Brewers on the franchise's first ever World Series championship!

My paternal grandparents (God rest their souls) rarely missed a radio broadcast of a Brewers game. If ever they had to attend an event which coincided with a scheduled game, one of them would often sneak out of the venue to catch an update via the car radio. Yes, it was safe to say that legendary Brewers radio voice Bob Uecker was a folk hero in their household (My goodness, what the Brewers' faithful would have given to hear Ueck celebrating this epic win).

I have two Aunts and an Uncle who have been faithful to the Brew Crew since the team's inception in 1970, a fandom which they have passed on to multiple generations of their own families. Despite at one point enduring the Brewers' 25-year postseason dry spell (1983-2007), my family remained fiercely loyal to their Crew, always believing they would one day break through and deliver that elusive World Series title. So even though I remain in fervent opposition to all Wisconsin sports teams (with the exception of my alma mater UW-River Falls), I can't help but be joyful over the fact that the people I love the most are experiencing utter happiness.

Kudos to the Brewers franchise for not only a great regular season and a downright dominant postseason, but also showing small market teams how it's done.

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Quick Hits: Volume CDXXVII

- You can tell a lot about a county attorney by which infractions they choose to prosecute. Young adult males busting shots off in busy urban areas? Meh. They can't be held totally responsible since they're "emerging adults." Their brains aren't fully formed yet (but somehow many of these same people believe society should acquiesce to a pre-adult male wanting to become a girl). 

But if individuals engage in controversial tactics to expose kinks in our election system? A bridge to far in the eyes of Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty. 

Keep in mind that O'Keefe and Higby didn't actually cast votes. For that, I would agree they'd need to be punished to fullest extent of the law. No, the goal here wasn't to commit fraud but rather give a demonstration how easy it would be to do so since no picture ID is required in the vouching system. 

Longtime friend of the NARN David Strom at breaks it down. 

Now, as far as I can tell, not one element of the law was violated, but that is a minor detail. Moriarty (and Secretary of State Steve Simon, another DFL hack) argue that asking about getting a ballot is the same thing as applying for a ballot, and it just may be that a Minneapolis jury, made up of people who think Lavrenty Beria was too soft on capitalist pigs, might buy it.

But that's not really the point in any case. What the Democrats are doing is throwing mud at the men who exposed their hypocrisy. After all, as Moriarty says, “Elections are the bedrock of democracy, and their protection is one of our highest priorities. Individuals engaging in unlawful conduct related to our elections will be held accountable.” Both Higby and O'Keefe exposed the lie at the heart of that claim by proving that any Tom, Dick, or Abdul can cheat as easily as taking candy from a baby.

They must be punished, and making them appear in court will serve that purpose just fine. The process is the punishment.

It's quite telling that Moriarty's office is more active when their allies are embarrassed as opposed to when the safety of the HennCo citizenry is in peril. 

- This.....was an unfortunate choice of words. 

Who knew kicking off a bus tour would make for a nice date with my ninth-grade girlfriend. https://t.co/AdQCL0Eb3H

— Josh Shapiro (@JoshShapiroPA) October 27, 2026

This happens way too often when elites attempt to portray themselves as regular folks. 

- It would appear Barry is banking on the delusion that no one was conscious from 2008 thru 2016. 

Barack Obama: "I am tired of being divided! I want friendship and neighborliness!" https://t.co/1LIdDcwq5L

— TheBlaze (@theblaze) October 29, 2026

This is kinda like an arsonist proclaiming he's tired of suffering from smoke inhalation. 

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