ST.PAUL, Minn. — The 46-day early voting period for the 2022 general election began in Minnesota. The state has the longest early voting window in the nation. Neither U.S. Senate , each with a six-year term, is open. Among statewide races:

> Governor: Incumbent Democrat Tim Walz is seeking a seeking a second term.  Challenger: Republican Scott Jensen of Chaska.

>Attorney general: Incumbent Democrat Keith Ellison is seeking a second term. Challenger: Republican Jim Schultz of St. Louis Park.

> Secretary of state: Incumbent Democrat Scott Simon is seeking a third term. Challenger: Republican Kim Crockett of Excelior.

Closely watched races that could determine whether Democrats or Republicans control the U.S House:

MN-1: Incumbent Republican Brad Finstad of New Ulm. Challenger: Democrat Jeff Ettinger of Austin.

MN-2: Incumbent Democrat Angie Craig of Eagan is seeking a third term. Challenger; Republican Tyler Kristner of Apple Valley.

MN-5: Incumbent Democrat Ilham Omar of Minneapolis is seeking a third term. Challenger: Republican Cicely Davis of Minneapolis.