MOORHEAD — Minnesotans are already heading into a long and high-stakes 2026 governor’s race, with five Republicans declared and Democratic Gov. Tim Walz still undecided about a third term.

“I think you should always have hesitation to run,” Walz said.

Meanwhile, candidates are also positioning themselves to replace outgoing U.S. Sen. Tina Smith, D-Minn.

In the early days of the United States, elections were more condensed, but the rise of mass media has changed campaign dynamics. And the length of the election cycle.

“Especially after television, radio and jet travel,” said Nicholas Howard, a political science professor at Concordia College.

Howard noted that current candidates are running in the primary, not the general election, meaning their messaging targets politically engaged ca

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