RUSHFORD, Minn. — A Wiscoy farmer in southern Winona County predicted he will flip Minnesota House District 26-A back to Democrats. At the party’s 26-A endorsement convention, Wilson said the District likely be the most contested and consequential House race in the November election. The Winona-centric district had been represented for 38 years by Gene Pelowski, a Democrat. In 2024, with Pelowski retiring, the seat went red. Winona tour boat operator Aaron Repinski, a Republican, won 52% to 47%. The November 2026 election, Wilson said he sees Repinski as vulnerable and 26-A ripe for Democrats to win:
“At this moment, we deserve a champion for affordability. Someone who will fight for Winona County, not just prop up the status quo. That’s why I am running, that’s what this campaign is about.”
Wilson. Sees District 26-A as likely be the most contested and consequential House race in Minnesota. This suggests heavy infusions of funds from the state Democratic and Republican parties in coming months.
The 26-A contest is being closely s\watched statewide as essential for breaking the 67-67 split between Democrats and Republicans in the House. For lack of a clear majority, the 2026 Legislature has deadlocked time and again. At the 26-A endorsement convention, Wilson said:
“With rising housing, child care, health care, and food costs, people are tired of the status quo.”
Wilson noted his focus on affordability, adding that he is committed to championing funding to create 100 affordable housing units in downtown Winona and a child care center in the school system:
“Housing and child care, these are the things that drive up costs for Winonans. These are the things that prevent people from moving to Winona County or staying in Winona County. Housing and child care are an existential issue for Winona County, and because they are, that is what I am committing to doing. I am putting a lot of things on my plate. I’m committing to doing very concrete things. I want people to hold me accountable to that, and I am showing by committing to doing hard things as a candidate.”
What 26-A may cost
Wilson said he has raised $70,000 for the 2026 election. That suggests another record high may be at hand to win the 26-A seat. Here. in rough numbers from legally required campaign finances reports, are average candidate budgets in recent years.
2024: $73,000.
2022: $17,800.
2020: $28,100.
2018: $52,000.
2016: $22,700.
2014: $34,300.
2012: $31,100.
2010: $24,200.
2008: $32,600.
2006: $42,600.
2004: $38,900.
2002: $22,500.
2000: 12,200.
Candidates rely mostly on corporate donations, state party allocations, and individual contributions from well-wishers.