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Minnesota State Auditor Julie Blaha won’t seek reelection in 2026 • Minnesota Reformer [1]

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Date: 2025-09 

Minnesota State Auditor Julie Blaha announced Thursday that she won’t seek reelection for a third term.

The state auditor oversees local government finances and aids law enforcement in investigating financial crimes. Blaha, a Democrat, was first elected in 2018 and narrowly won her reelection bid in 2022. Her departure creates an open race for a constitutional office next year.

Blaha in a statement said when she first assumed office that the state auditor was “under attack” because funding cuts had gutted office staff.

“I’ve had the honor of serving as Minnesota’s state auditor,” Blaha said. “My goals were to rebuild an office that was under attack and protect Minnesotans’ rights to make decisions in their local communities. I am proud to have accomplished those goals.”

The state auditor position has frequently been used as a jumping off point for elected officials to seek higher office. Former Govs. Arne Carlson and Mark Dayton served as state auditor.

Minnesota Rep. Dan Wolgamott, DFL-St. Cloud, told Axios that he will seek the DFL nomination to replace Blaha. Republican Rep. Elliott Engen of White Bear Township said he was “heavily” considering running for auditor.

Republicans have criticized the state auditor failing to take action against fraud in state programs, even though the office has limited constitutional authority to do so.

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[1] Url: https://minnesotareformer.com/briefs/minnesota-state-auditor-julie-blaha-wont-seek-reelection-in-2026/

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