Even with Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as the Democrat vice presidential nominee, Republicans are in no way conceding the Gopher State's electoral votes — and in fact are waging a strong campaign there for its 3rd Congressional District.
Minnesota remains a Democrat stronghold.
A poll conducted for The Telegraph last week showed Vice President Kamala Harris beating former President Donald Trump by a margin of 51% to 43%.
As the Trump-Vance campaign keeps up its efforts in Minnesota, the lone U.S. House race considered increasingly "in play" is watched.
"Our 3rd District is the best-educated on any in the state," Republican nominee Tad Jude told Newsmax. "That's why voters here watch the issues carefully, and we are gaining ground."
Elected as the youngest-ever state legislator in Minnesota in 1972 at age 20, Jude went on to wage two strong-but-losing U.S. House races in the nearby 6th District and then served as a state district judge.
"And now, I'm 72. And like our young volunteers, I enjoy door-knocking," he told Newsmax.
"Inflation, the economy, and making sure the voters know how extreme my opponent is are the key components to winning in the 3rd," Jude said.
When Democrat Rep. Dean Phillips decided to run for president instead of Congress, Democrats in the 3rd nominated state Sen. Kelly Morrison, a physician and unabashed liberal.
Jude hits hard at Morrison's "votes to increase the size of state government by 40%."
He also contrasts his strong pro-life views with the vigorous pro-choice position of Morrison.
Before Phillips unseated Republican Rep. Erik Paulsen in 2018, the 3rd District had an uninterrupted string of GOP House members since 1960.
John Gizzi is chief political columnist and White House correspondent for Newsmax. For more of his reports, Go Here Now.
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