At the U.S. Capitol, a critical House seat is up for grabs. Both Democrats and Republicans think they have a shot at taking Minnesota's 2nd Congressional District.

The lines to replace Democratic Rep. Angie Craig, who is making a run for the Senate, are already forming. Two Democrats — former State Sen. Matt Little and current State Sen. Matt Klein — are running. 

On the Republican side, Tyler Kistner, who lost to Craig twice, announced on May 15 that he is also running for the seat. 

On July 22, Republican State Sen. Eric Pratt, who represents communities in Scott County, announced that he is vying for the seat.

The 2nd Congressional District includes the major south metro suburbs of Lakeville, Eagan and Burnsville, as well as farmland. Craig has represented the district for the past six years. Before her, Republicans held the district for 19 years. And before that, Democrats had it for eight years.

Money from out-of-state contributions totaled $2.3 million in the 2024 race. It was down dramatically from $19 million in outside contributions in 2022. 

University of Minnesota Professor Larry Jacobs says that outside money will be back in 2026.

"We could see perhaps upwards of $20 million spent on the 2nd Congressional District," Jacobs said. "It is one of the very few in the country that Republicans have a shot of getting a pickup."

In a statement, GOP Chair Alex Plechash said, "With Minnesota's 2nd Congressional District now an open seat, we're seeing top-tier Republican candidates already stepping forward to run. The Republican Party plans to open a dedicated field office in the district to support these efforts and ensure the 2nd Congressional District returns to Republican hands in 2026."