Who is running for State Senate District 53 in Minnesota in 2026?

Paul Cumings (D), Todd Podgorski (R)

When is the Minnesota 2026 general election?

Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Polls are open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Minnesota › Races › State Senate District 53

State Senate District 53 — Minnesota 2026

2 candidates on the November 3, 2026 general election ballot (official Minnesota Secretary of State files, as of October 29, 2026). Grades reflect each candidate's public record on life, family, religious liberty, the Second Amendment, limited government and fiscal responsibility.

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Candidates

DPaul CumingsDemocratic

Candidate for State Senator, District 53 (DFL).

LifeDFamilyDReligious libertyC2nd AmendmentFLimited gov’tDFiscalD

Non-incumbent DFL; no voting record. NRA-PVF F (2026). iVoterGuide rates Liberal.

Life: No specific position found; DFL; iVoterGuide rates Liberal.
Family: No specific position found; DFL; iVoterGuide rates Liberal.
Religious liberty: No specific position found; DFL; iVoterGuide rates Liberal.
2nd Amendment: NRA-PVF 2026 grade: F.
Limited gov’t: No specific position found; DFL; iVoterGuide rates Liberal.
Fiscal: No specific position found; DFL; iVoterGuide rates Liberal.

Sources: [1] [2]

Ballotpedia

BTodd PodgorskiRepublican

Candidate for State Senator, District 53 (Republican).

LifeAFamilyBReligious libertyB2nd AmendmentBLimited gov’tBFiscalA

Non-incumbent Republican; no voting record. MCCL questionnaire 11Y/0N (2026). iVoterGuide rates Moderate. Evidence pass: fiscal now graded from campaign-site statements. Party default still applied for marriage/gender, religious liberty, Second Amendment, limited government.

Life: MCCL 2026 questionnaire: answered 11 of 11 questions with the pro-life answer (0 not answered).
Family: No specific position found; Republican; iVoterGuide rates Moderate.
Religious liberty: No specific position found; Republican; iVoterGuide rates Moderate.
2nd Amendment: No specific position found; Republican; iVoterGuide rates Moderate.
Limited gov’t: No specific position found; Republican; iVoterGuide rates Moderate.
Fiscal: Campaign site: supports 'responsible spending, reducing waste' and 'balanced budget solutions.'

Sources: [1] [2] [3]

Ballotpedia

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