Limits to Campaign Contributions

In Minnesota, all limits to campaign contributions are per two-year period.

Candidates for Governor and Lieutenant Governor are limited to accepting $2,000 per donor. Candidates for Attorney General are limited to accepting up to $1,500 per donor. All other statewide and legislative candidates are limited to accepting up to $1,000 per donor.

Candidates for Governor and Lieutenant Governor are limited to accepting $2,000 per political action committee (PAC). Candidates for Attorney General are limited to accepting up to $1,500 per PAC. All other statewide and legislative candidates are limited to accepting up to $1,000 per PAC.

Candidates for Governor and Lieutenant Governor may accept up to $20,000 from a state political party committee, while candidates for Attorney General may accept up to $15,000 from a state political party committee. Other legislative and statewide candidates may accept up to $10,000 from a state political party committee. 

Candidates for Governor and Lieutenant Governor may contribute up to $10,000 to their own campaign. Candidates for Attorney General may contribute up to $7,500 to their campaign. Legislative candidates and candidates for other statewide offices may contribute up to $5,000 to their campaign.

Candidates may not accept contributions from a super PAC, corporation, or union.

2020 Elections and Filing Deadlines

Candidates are required to file detailed reports on their campaign donations and expenditures. Transparency USA provides accurate, searchable data within days of its release by the Minnesota Campaign Finance Board.

June 15, 2020 – 2nd Quarter Reports

July 27, 2020 – Semiannual Reports

August 11, 2020 – Minnesota Primary Elections

September 22, 2020 – 3rd Quarter Reports

October 26, 2020 – 4th Quarter Reports

Minnesota Statewide Office Holders 

Minnesota statewide office holders (such as the governor and lieutenant governor) serve four-year terms and are up for reelection in non-presidential election years.

The Minnesota Legislature 

The Minnesota state legislature meets beginning in January of odd-numbered years and at a date agreed upon by both chambers during even-numbered years. The legislature may only meet for 120 consecutive days each biennium.

Minnesota State Representatives serve two-year terms. 

Minnesota State Senators serve four-year terms.

Term Limits 

Minnesota has no term limits.