2020 Gubernational elections: Who is running megathread

[henster]

Who will probably be running and most likely to win primary/GE.

IA: Liz Mathis
NV: Ross Miller
CO: Ed Perlmutter
WI: Ron Kind
OH: Tim Ryan
ME: Janet Mills
MN: Lori Swanson

[henster]

In MN it looks to be crowded with Chris Coleman, Otto, Tina Smith, Swanson and Tim Walz. I think Lori Swanson would be the strongest candidate by far, she has won statewide 3x times by impressive margins. She has always done well in the Metro and outstate even in bad years for Ds '10/'14. 12+ years as a AG is a good record to run on as well.

[henster]

Swanson has always done very well in rural areas, pro-gun, pro-mining she is exactly what the DFL needs right now.

[henster]

Tim Walz said he was "seriously considering" running for Governor at a town hall today.

He should stay in the House, just for the sake of holding down the seat for Democrats.

I would think holding the Governorship is more important than one House seat.

[henster]

Tim Walz said he was "seriously considering" running for Governor at a town hall today.

He should stay in the House, just for the sake of holding down the seat for Democrats.

I would think holding the Governorship is more important than one House seat.

It really depends on a variety of factors. In this case, Walz seems nervous about losing his seat in 2018 considering he just barely scraped by last November. If he vacates his seat, it will be easier for Republicans to pick it up. I feel like MN has plenty of other decent candidates that could run instead, and Walz would be needed more in the House if that was the case.

The House is the Democrats only real shot at being a check on Trump/Republicans in 2019+, so we really can't afford to lose that seat. Odds are he will have a better year in 2018, given the dynamics of midterms.

If he's the best candidate for governor, he should run.  The legislature will be hard for Dems to get back as they are too dependent on legacy rural seats.  If a GOP governor is elected, they will lose 3 seats in 2022 guaranteed, 4 if Paulsen is defeated before redistricting.  At this point, it is possible to redistrict MN so that the only 2 Dem seats are downtown MSP.

And its a much better being a Governor than being in the irrelevant minority in the House.

[henster]

Connie Pillich is in for OH GOV, I actually think she'd be a better candidate than Sutton.

[henster]

Nolan is 73 and Walz is 54, considering Dayton's health issues I'd think DFLs might want to go for a younger Gov.

[henster]

I don't know Minnesota Republicans beyond the kooky ones, the RINO ones, and ugh Norm Coleman; was Stanek considered a good potential candidate or a wacko?

He was a terrific candidate. Barring Paulsen getting in probably instant front runner along Jeff Johnson

I was looking at his Stanek's Controversies section on Wikipedia and I don't know why anyone would consider him a terrific candidate.

[henster]

MI-GOV: Mark Hackel tweeted out the article 'Democrats create opening for Hackel in gov race'.

https://twitter.com/MarkHackel/status/870346972653289472

[henster]

I don't know Minnesota Republicans beyond the kooky ones, the RINO ones, and ugh Norm Coleman; was Stanek considered a good potential candidate or a wacko?

He was a terrific candidate. Barring Paulsen getting in probably instant front runner along Jeff Johnson

I was looking at his Stanek's Controversies section on Wikipedia and I don't know why anyone would consider him a terrific candidate.

Speaking of Stanek, yea if he ran his campaign would've been very short.

http://www.mankatofreepress.com/news/local_news/son-of-hennepin-county-sheriff-charged-with-soliciting-a-minor/article_bf284c0e-4652-11e7-8d7a-c30b45078250.html

[henster]

FL-GOV: Levine to announce tomorrow

http://www.tampabay.com/florida-politics/buzz/2017/10/30/philip-levine-to-make-important-announcement-wednesday-in-miami/

[henster]

I think FL is a state where Dems need a self funder, Graham is a decent candidate but she will get badly outspend.

[henster]

Poll: Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards' approval rating climbs to 65%, outpacing Kennedy, Cassidy

Only candidate I could see giving JBE trouble is Scalise, may be more inclined to run if GOP is in the minority.