Andrew Benintendi Pushes Royals Past Twins In 11th With 2nd Homer
Andrew Benintendi had four hits and two home runs, the last a two-run shot in the 11th to send the Kansas City Royals to a 6-4 victory over the Minnesota Twins on Friday night.
Kansas City Royals
Perez, Alberto Go Deep As Royals Rally Past Twins, 7-4
Houston came to town having lost five of six, including a three-game sweep at home to Baltimore, but have looked like the team that won 11 in a row before hitting the rough patch.
Benintendi, Perez Lead Royals To 11-3 Victory Over Twins
Andrew Benintendi hit two homers, Salvador Perez homered and drove in three runs, and the Kansas City Royals cruised to an 11-3 win over the Minnesota Twins on Saturday.
Soler, Dozier Power Royals To 7-2 Victory Over Twins
The Royals knew they would need somebody to step up when Salvador Perez went on the injured list earlier in the day with a mysterious eye ailment that had caused the star catcher to have some blurry vision.
Cruz Hits 2 Homers; Twins Split Doubleheader Against Royals
Twins' Nelson Cruz homered in both games against the Kansas City Royals to split Saturday's doubleheader at Target Field.
Twins, Royals Game Postponed By Rain; Doubleheader Expected Saturday
The Minnesota Twins postponed their game against the Kansas City Royals on Friday night because of stormy weather, scheduling a straight doubleheader on Saturday instead to start the series.
Soler's 2 Homers Helps To Power Royals To 9-6 Win Over Twins
Soler began the show with his homer leading off the third against former Royals pitcher Jake Odorizzi, who was making his season debut for Minnesota after dealing with a sore muscle in his ribs.
Rogers Falters, Twins Allow 7 In 9th In 12-5 Loss To Royals
José Berríos and Taylor Rogers have been the Twins' most reliable pitchers and helped push Minnesota to the verge of the AL Central title. For one game, Berríos and Rogers each faltered as the Twins missed a chance to build on their division lead.
With 3-0 Win, Twins Sweep Royals
Devin Smeltzer pitched two-hit ball into the seventh inning, and the Minnesota Twins completed a three-game sweep by blanking the Kansas City Royals 3-0 on Sunday.
Cruz Hits 3 HRs For 2nd Time In 10 Days, Twins Beat KC 11-3
Nelson Cruz is hardly slowing down. If anything, he's heating up.
Dozier's 3-Run Homer Sends Bailey, Royals Over Twins 6-1
The Twins stranded 11 runners on base.
Kepler, Rosario Help Rally Twins To 8-7 Win Over Royals
The Minnesota Twins again showed the resilience that has allowed them to avoid a three-game losing streak this season.
Maldonado Leads Royals Over Twins 8-6
Jorge López (1-6) pitched 2 1/3 innings in relief, giving up four hits, including a solo homer by Nelson Cruz in the seventh. Ian Kennedy allowed an RBI double by Max Kepler but struck out Cruz with two runners on to record his seventh save in nine chances.
Odorizzi, Twins Win Again, Top Royals With 5-4 Rally
The Twins have the most homers in baseball, not to mention the lead in several other batting categories.
Mitch Garver's HR Backs Kyle Gibson In Twins' 2-0 Win Over Royals
It was the Twins' league-leading 133rd homer. Minnesota has a home run in 12 straight games.
Astudillo Hits Game-Ending Home Run, Twins Beat Royals 3-1
Willians Astudillo hit a two-out, two-run homer in the bottom of the ninth inning that gave the Minnesota Twins a 3-1 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Sunday.
Lopez 3 Outs Shy Of Perfect Game As Royals Beat Twins 4-1
Kansas City rookie Jorge Lopez came within three outs of a perfect game before Max Kepler walked leading off the ninth inning and Robbie Grossman followed with a single in the Royals' 4-1 win over the Minnesota Twins on Saturday night.
Cave's Grand Slam Lifts Twins Past Royals 6-5
The Minnesota Twins' blueprint for 2018 included a dynamic young center fielder making great plays on defense and coming up with big hits. Of course, that role was supposed to be filled by Byron Buxton, once considered the top prospect in baseball.
Berrios Goes 7 As Twins Beat Royals 8-2
Jose Berrios threw seven sharp innings to help the Twins beat the Kansas City Royals 8-2 on Saturday night.
MLB's Worst Teams: Reasons For Hope
Some MLB teams are already looking to next season and beyond, but even their fans have something to be hopeful about.
Royals Beat Twins 2-1 In 14 Innings
Alcides Escobar, however, sent a drive to left field with two outs in the 14th inning Tuesday night to give the Royals a 2-1 victory over the Minnesota Twins.
Kansas City Royals Become First Team To Sign A Player With Autism
Tarik El-Abour is not a Major League Baseball player yet, but his signing by the Kansas City Royals marks a historic first for the national pastime.
Twins Go For Sweep Of Royals Thursday
The Twins host the Royals in the series finale at 12:10 p.m. Thursday at Target Field, going for a series sweep. You read that correctly.
30 Players: Royals Deciding How To Utilize Top Prospect Matt Strahm
The Royals look to make a return to the postseason and will hope to get some help from one of their young pitching prospects.
Fantasy Baseball's Version Of The Final Countdown Is Upon You Now
There's just one more week to go in the 2016 Major League Baseball regular season, so pay attention very closely to what's going on in MLB this week.
Latest News
"How dare they?": Minnesota leaders react to abortion ruling
The decision to undo nearly 50 years of precedent will have sweeping ramifications for tens of millions of women across the country as abortion rights are curtailed and lead to a patchwork of laws absent the constitutional protection.
Teen pleads guilty in March death of Columbia Heights girl
Damico Jamal-Tokyo High pleaded guilty to second-degree manslaughter. High shot and killed 15-year-old Derryanna Davis in March.
Wisconsin doctors suspend abortion services
The president and CEO of Wisconsin's Planned Parenthood, Tanya Atkinson, says they will still help patients navigate to states where abortion remains legal.
Hearing set for Wisconsin teen accused of killing girl
Chippewa County Circuit Judge Benjamin Lane on Friday scheduled a Sept. 1 preliminary hearing for the 14-year-old boy, identified in court documents as C.T.P.-B.
Supreme Court strikes down Roe v. Wade in seismic shift for abortion rights
The Supreme Court issued its highly anticipated decision in a case involving a Mississippi law banning abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy.
Dozens rally in St. Paul for more group home funding
Many people with disabilities are not getting the adequate care they need as more than 170 group homes have closed across the state since October, ACR Group Homes said.
Heavy rain closes roads in parts of central Minnesota
Weather observers say more than 4 inches of rain fell overnight Thursday into Friday in St. Cloud where storm drains were unable to keep up with the downpour.
Early morning Minneapolis structure fire results in no injuries
The Minneapolis Fire Department responded to a structure fire at approximately 3:03 a.m. on the 2500 block of Grand Avenue South.
Next Weather Alert: Flash flood threat up north with potential for heavy rain overnight
Severe thunderstorms developed Thursday evening over parts of north-central and northeastern Minnesota, dropping quarter-sized hail and heavy downpours.
Latest News
More Latest News
"How dare they?": Minnesota leaders react to abortion ruling
The decision to undo nearly 50 years of precedent will have sweeping ramifications for tens of millions of women across the country as abortion rights are curtailed and lead to a patchwork of laws absent the constitutional protection.
Teen pleads guilty in March death of Columbia Heights girl
Damico Jamal-Tokyo High pleaded guilty to second-degree manslaughter. High shot and killed 15-year-old Derryanna Davis in March.
Wisconsin doctors suspend abortion services
The president and CEO of Wisconsin's Planned Parenthood, Tanya Atkinson, says they will still help patients navigate to states where abortion remains legal.
Hearing set for Wisconsin teen accused of killing girl
Chippewa County Circuit Judge Benjamin Lane on Friday scheduled a Sept. 1 preliminary hearing for the 14-year-old boy, identified in court documents as C.T.P.-B.
Supreme Court strikes down Roe v. Wade in seismic shift for abortion rights
The Supreme Court issued its highly anticipated decision in a case involving a Mississippi law banning abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy.
Twin Cities News
More Twin Cities News
Teen pleads guilty in March death of Columbia Heights girl
Damico Jamal-Tokyo High pleaded guilty to second-degree manslaughter. High shot and killed 15-year-old Derryanna Davis in March.
Dozens rally in St. Paul for more group home funding
Many people with disabilities are not getting the adequate care they need as more than 170 group homes have closed across the state since October, ACR Group Homes said.
Early morning Minneapolis structure fire results in no injuries
The Minneapolis Fire Department responded to a structure fire at approximately 3:03 a.m. on the 2500 block of Grand Avenue South.
"How dare they?": Minnesota leaders react to abortion ruling
The decision to undo nearly 50 years of precedent will have sweeping ramifications for tens of millions of women across the country as abortion rights are curtailed and lead to a patchwork of laws absent the constitutional protection.
Next Weather Alert: Flash flood threat up north with potential for heavy rain overnight
Severe thunderstorms developed Thursday evening over parts of north-central and northeastern Minnesota, dropping quarter-sized hail and heavy downpours.
Greater Minnesota News
More Greater Minnesota News
Dozens rally in St. Paul for more group home funding
Many people with disabilities are not getting the adequate care they need as more than 170 group homes have closed across the state since October, ACR Group Homes said.
Heavy rain closes roads in parts of central Minnesota
Weather observers say more than 4 inches of rain fell overnight Thursday into Friday in St. Cloud where storm drains were unable to keep up with the downpour.
"How dare they?": Minnesota leaders react to abortion ruling
The decision to undo nearly 50 years of precedent will have sweeping ramifications for tens of millions of women across the country as abortion rights are curtailed and lead to a patchwork of laws absent the constitutional protection.
Next Weather Alert: Flash flood threat up north with potential for heavy rain overnight
Severe thunderstorms developed Thursday evening over parts of north-central and northeastern Minnesota, dropping quarter-sized hail and heavy downpours.
Scott Jensen seeks tax cuts to help Minnesotans cope with inflation
Republican gubernatorial candidate Scott Jensen called Thursday for tax cuts and a clampdown on government spending and regulations to help Minnesotans cope with the highest inflation rate in 40 years.
Wisconsin News
More Wisconsin News
Hearing set for Wisconsin teen accused of killing girl
Chippewa County Circuit Judge Benjamin Lane on Friday scheduled a Sept. 1 preliminary hearing for the 14-year-old boy, identified in court documents as C.T.P.-B.
Wisconsin doctors suspend abortion services
The president and CEO of Wisconsin's Planned Parenthood, Tanya Atkinson, says they will still help patients navigate to states where abortion remains legal.
"How dare they?": Minnesota leaders react to abortion ruling
The decision to undo nearly 50 years of precedent will have sweeping ramifications for tens of millions of women across the country as abortion rights are curtailed and lead to a patchwork of laws absent the constitutional protection.
Woman committed over "Slender Man" stabbing seeks her release
The second of two Wisconsin women who were sent to a state mental health facility after a 2014 stabbing attack on a sixth-grade classmate that they claimed was to appease the horror character Slender Man is petitioning for her release.
Wisconsin election investigator says he deleted records
The former Wisconsin Supreme Court justice hired to investigate Biden's victory in the battleground state testified Thursday that he routinely deleted records, even after receiving open records requests.
Sports
More Sports
Analysts say Chet Holmgren is "built for today's NBA"
"Do not let the body frame fool you," Kendrick Perkins said after Holmgren was selected. "He's mean, he's aggressive, and he's about that life."
Fowles posts double-double in return, Lynx beat Mercury
Sylvia Fowles had 14 points and 10 rebounds in her return from an injury and Moriah Jefferson scored 21 points as the Minnesota Lynx beat the Phoenix Mercury 100-88 on Thursday night.
T-wolves draft trade nets 7-1 Auburn center Walker Kessler
The Minnesota Timberwolves have added a potential rim protector to complement star Karl-Anthony Towns, reportedly acquiring 7-foot-1 Auburn center Walker Kessler in a draft pick swap with the Memphis Grizzlies that netted them an additional first-rounder on Thursday night.
Thunder take Gonzaga's Chet Holmgren with No. 2 overall pick
The Oklahoma City Thunder chose Gonzaga's Chet Holmgren with the No. 2 overall pick in the NBA draft on Thursday night.
Nick Gordon's homer helps Twins slow Guardians in 1-0 win
The Cleveland Guardians came to Minnesota and won their seventh consecutive series, pulling ahead of the Twins in the AL Central with five more matchups looming next week.
Politics
More Politics
Supreme Court strikes down Roe v. Wade in seismic shift for abortion rights
The Supreme Court issued its highly anticipated decision in a case involving a Mississippi law banning abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy.
Dozens rally in St. Paul for more group home funding
Many people with disabilities are not getting the adequate care they need as more than 170 group homes have closed across the state since October, ACR Group Homes said.
Wisconsin doctors suspend abortion services
The president and CEO of Wisconsin's Planned Parenthood, Tanya Atkinson, says they will still help patients navigate to states where abortion remains legal.
"How dare they?": Minnesota leaders react to abortion ruling
The decision to undo nearly 50 years of precedent will have sweeping ramifications for tens of millions of women across the country as abortion rights are curtailed and lead to a patchwork of laws absent the constitutional protection.
House Jan. 6 committee zeroes in on ex-Justice Department official Jeffrey Clark
Installing Clark and the pressure campaign on the Justice Department was "essentially a political coup," committee chair Rep. Bennie Thompson said in his closing statement at Thursday's hearing.
Crime
More Crime
Teen pleads guilty in March death of Columbia Heights girl
Damico Jamal-Tokyo High pleaded guilty to second-degree manslaughter. High shot and killed 15-year-old Derryanna Davis in March.
Hearing set for Wisconsin teen accused of killing girl
Chippewa County Circuit Judge Benjamin Lane on Friday scheduled a Sept. 1 preliminary hearing for the 14-year-old boy, identified in court documents as C.T.P.-B.
Clayton Lauritsen sentenced for fatally shooting man after Wisconsin car chase
Clayton Lauritsen, of Cumberland, had been charged with one count of first-degree intentional homicide in connection to the shooting.
Mendota Heights rolls out new tool to catch speeders
If you think you can speed through Mendota Heights unnoticed, think again. You might even get a letter in the mail to prove it.
Woman committed over "Slender Man" stabbing seeks her release
The second of two Wisconsin women who were sent to a state mental health facility after a 2014 stabbing attack on a sixth-grade classmate that they claimed was to appease the horror character Slender Man is petitioning for her release.
Consumer News
More Consumer News
As gas prices continue to surge ahead of summer holidays, Minnesota marinas navigate pain at the pump
As Minnesota's average price for gasoline maintains a price near $4.75 a gallon heading into the heart of summer, marinas along the St. Croix River are averaging prices up to $2 more.
High expectations ahead for new Minnesota law on THC foods taking effect July 1
There are high expectations ahead as a new law will soon take effect that for the first time regulates the use of cannabinoids in food and beverages in Minnesota.
Sun Country flight cancelation leaves dozens stranded in Canada
Sun Country Airlines recently announced their new flight to Vancouver from Minneapolis-St. Paul International airport. But the inaugural return flight didn't go as planned.
AAA predicting record number of July 4th drivers
Travel group predicts 42 million Americans will take a road trip of 50 miles or more.
Simple ways to save on home energy costs
Getting a home energy audit is a great way to know where money is falling through the cracks in your home.
Health
More Health
Dozens rally in St. Paul for more group home funding
Many people with disabilities are not getting the adequate care they need as more than 170 group homes have closed across the state since October, ACR Group Homes said.
Wisconsin doctors suspend abortion services
The president and CEO of Wisconsin's Planned Parenthood, Tanya Atkinson, says they will still help patients navigate to states where abortion remains legal.
Why Are Some People More Prone To Mosquito Bites?
"One thing that scientists have known for a long time is that mosquitoes are attracted to the odor of used gym socks," Dr. Jon Oliver said.
COVID In Minnesota: MDH reports 4,587 cases, 19 deaths
The Minnesota Department of Health's latest update includes data from the past weekend, which was delayed in reporting due to the Juneteenth holiday.
Minneapolis's Lake Hiawatha Beach closed due to high E. coli level
Expect a popular Minneapolis beach to be closed for several days due to excessive levels of E. coli in the water.
Education
More Education
St. Paul schools develops policy on Native American smudging
St. Paul Public Schools officials are drafting a new policy to allow and encourage the Native American practice of smudging at schools and events in Minnesota's second-largest district.
14 Mpls. schools will shift to e-learning Tuesday due to extreme heat
Several public schools in Minneapolis will move to distance learning on Tuesday due to a lack of air conditioning and impending extreme heat.
House Dems Release $1.1B Education Plan, With Focus On Mental Health, More Educators Of Color
The House Democrats cited the recent teachers strike Minneapolis, and the threat of one in St. Paul, as prime examples of how schools do not have the funding they need to create stable learning environments for their students.
Teacher In Minnesota Asked To Take Down Ukrainian Flag
Byron Public Schools Superintendent Mike Neubeck says district lawyers are reviewing the school system's policy covering what can be displayed in classrooms. He said he's concerned that allowing the Ukrainian flag could lead to unwanted displays.
'My Dream Come True': After 22 Years, Rochester School Custodian Achieves U.S. Citizenship
Munir Zukanovic made his way to Minnesota decades ago, and has been working to become a citizen ever since. He moved to the country in the wake of the Bosnian war. Zukanovic was beaten in a war camp and lost a 13-year-old son.
Entertainment
More Entertainment
These are the most popular game consoles in each state
In a single uninterrupted battle for supremacy of the living room, the console wars have given gamers such legendary installments as the Nintendo 64 and the PlayStation 2 and such cautionary tales as the Nokia N-Gage and the Ouya.
After 27 years, professional wrestling returns to Mall of America
In 1995, Ric Flair, Hulk Hogan and a handful of other wrestling superstars squared off in a ring just outside of Camp Snoopy for the first episode of "WCW Monday Nitro." In September, professional wrestling will return to the mall.
Flashback: "WCW Monday Nitro" at Mall of America
In 1995, Ric Flair, Hulk Hogan and a handful of other wrestling superstars squared off in a ring just outside of Camp Snoopy for the first episode of "WCW Monday Nitro."
Long-awaited, modernized 'Emma' makes debut at Guthrie Theater
The adaptation by playwright Kate Hamill honors the 1815 novel while using lots of humor, modern-day clothing, and pop music, similar to "Bridgerton."
2 Minnesota teens to compete in national musical theater awards
The winners of the Jimmy Awards often punch their ticket to Broadway, and in some cases, Hollywood.
Good Question
More Good Question
Why Are Some People More Prone To Mosquito Bites?
"One thing that scientists have known for a long time is that mosquitoes are attracted to the odor of used gym socks," Dr. Jon Oliver said.
What is the purpose of the "#ShowYourStripes" campaign?
"Just that slightest shift in an average puts us into a whole new climate, really upping those chances for all of the extremes that we have to deal with," said Climate Central Chief Meteorologist Bernadette Woods Placky.
Why is the airline industry struggling? And how long will it be this way?
If last weekend was any indication, prepare for a tumultuous summer travel season.
What is a "bear market" and how long might it take to recover?
The S&P 500 tumbled even more Thursday, putting it firmly into a bear market.
How could a recession impact the job market?
According to the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, there were 214,000 job openings in the state at the end of last year. At the same time, there were 93,000 unemployed people.
Finding Minnesota
More Finding Minnesota
Minneopa State Park enjoys a bison baby boom
"They are pretty laid back and calm. They really are," said park manager Ashley Steevens. "They're managed as a wild herd, so this is their territory. This is their home."
The story behind Faribault County's Jolly Green Giant statue
In this week's Finding Minnesota, John Lauritsen shows us how a giant statue ended up in the city of Blue Earth.
After More Than A Century, Southern Minnesota Restaurant Still Slinging 'Dam' Good Burgers, Pies
In this week's Finding Minnesota, John Lauritsen takes us to the Rapidan Dam Store in Blue Earth County.
'It's Bizarre': Southern Minnesota Ghost Town Still Attracting Summer Visitors
In this week's Finding Minnesota, John Lauritsen takes us on a tour of a treasured ghost town in Fillmore County, near the Iowa border.
Montgomery National Golf Club's 'Magical Mystery Tour' Inspired By Owner's Love For Beatles
There's a place in our state where you can "hit" a nice drive down the fairway, while surrounded by "hits" from the Beatles.
WCCO Investigates
More WCCO Investigates
More Minnesota homeowners come forward to accuse pool contractor of unfinished work
New information in a WCCO investigation: several families want to warn others after they say the same pool contractor took their savings and didn't do the job.
'Our yard is ruined': More than a dozen Minnesota families say pool contractor took their money, left them in the lurch
From county to county, family after family say Charles Workman left them without their money and without a pool. Some filed police reports; others sued.
Water Gremlin Responsible For Lead Testing And Cleanup, Court Of Appeals Opines
The company has until the end of the month to file an appeal to the state Supreme Court.
WCCO Investigates: Letters From Gov. Tim Walz To Federal Government Detail Pleas For Help Fighting COVID-19
More than 100 pages detail the early stages of the COVID-19 crisis hitting Minnesota.
WCCO Investigates: Which Neighborhoods Are At High Risk For COVID-19
We teamed up with Wilder Research to pinpoint the places Minnesotans could suffer the most serious consequences.
Community Journalism
More Community Journalism
Historic substance recovery center in Minneapolis faces closure as funding fades
It's one of the oldest treatment centers in the world - and the Minneapolis AA house could have to close - unless something changes fast.
Trash cans and tempers spilling over in the Twin Cities
"We received over 2,800 complaints of missed pickups just in the first 10 days of this month alone, so clearly very unacceptable," said St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter.
West Broadway Block Party celebrates Juneteenth, makes push for Black economic development
Sunday's Juneteenth event in north Minneapolis celebrated multiple firsts.
"I know that I'm supposed to be here": Minnesota veteran helping Ukrainian refugees flee war
A Maple Grove man is risking his life in Ukraine working to get refugees to safety.
Performances, block parties and more: List of Minnesota Juneteenth events
Later this week, Minnesotans from all over will observe Juneteenth, a celebration of the day in 1865 when the last American slaves found out they were free after the Civil War.
Weather
More Weather
Weather
Next Weather: Afternoon update
Meteorologist Lisa Meadows reports on the threat of severe weather Friday night in parts of northern Minnesota.
Heavy rain closes roads in parts of central Minnesota
Weather observers say more than 4 inches of rain fell overnight Thursday into Friday in St. Cloud where storm drains were unable to keep up with the downpour.
Noon Next Weather report
WCCO meteorologist Mike Augustyniak says today's Next Weather Alert day is because the northern part of the state has had significant rainfall, and tonight may bring more and, with that, the threat for flash flooding.
Tips for beating extreme heat
"The elderly and the really young," said CentraCare sports medicine physician Dr. George Morris. "Those are the two populations that I would worry about most."
What is Next Weather?
In Minnesota, weather can be all over the place. Here at WCCO, we want to give you what you need to prepare for what's happening next.
Latest Galleries
More Latest Galleries
Flashback: "WCW Monday Nitro" at Mall of America
In 1995, Ric Flair, Hulk Hogan and a handful of other wrestling superstars squared off in a ring just outside of Camp Snoopy for the first episode of "WCW Monday Nitro."
Stars hit the red carpet at the 75th Annual Tony Awards
Stars of stage and screen hit the red carpet for the 75th Annual Tony Awards on Sunday night.
New Food Options At Target Field 2022
Opening Day is nearly here and the Minnesota Twins are unveiling new foods at Target Field, including Australian-inspired savory pies and an official grilled cheese sandwich of the ballpark.
2022 Celebrity Deaths
A gallery of the beloved celebrities who have died in 2022.
Viewers Share Their Love Stories
It's Valentine's Day, and Susan-Elizabeth Littlefield asked WCCO viewers to share their stories of romance. Here are some of the best we got!
Latest Video
More Latest Video
Latest Video
Next Weather: Afternoon update
Meteorologist Lisa Meadows reports on the threat of severe weather Friday night in parts of northern Minnesota.
WCCO Digital Update: Afternoon of June 24, 2022
Here are the latest Minnesota headlines.
Minnesota now, or soon to be, an island when it comes to abortion rights
The states surrounding Minnesota either have trigger laws that go into effect following the overturning of Roe v. Wade, or are very likely to end abortion rights in the near future.
Noon Next Weather report
WCCO meteorologist Mike Augustyniak says today's Next Weather Alert day is because the northern part of the state has had significant rainfall, and tonight may bring more and, with that, the threat for flash flooding.
Early voting underway in special election for Minnesota's 1st congressional district
DFL candidate Jeffrey Ettinger is the former CEO of Hormel. Brad Finstad is a business executive and former Trump appointee to the USDA. The winner will have to run again in November to keep the seat