Minnesota Report
With the conclusion of St. Paul’s pre-election campaign finance reporting period, the “money primary” has officially closed. As expected, Mayor Melvin Carter III (DFL) leads the field in fundraising — but a closer look at the data reveals more than just raw numbers. His support appears to be heavily institutional, powered by establishment backers and deep political roots.
Carter 8-week pre-election report.
Mayor Melvin Carter III (DFL)
|
Total contributions under $50 |
$5,784.40 |
|
Total contributions equal to or over $50 |
$210, 385.60 |
|
Expenditures |
$41,658.22 |
|
Account Balance (as of report end date) |
$212,715.77 |
Carter’s hosted a major fundraiser on September 9th at the home of his parents — former Ramsey County Commissioner, now Metropolitan Council member, Toni Carter (DFL) and retired St. Paul police officer Melvin Carter II. Based on the sponsor list, additional financial momentum is expected in future reports.
As an incumbent, Carter’s dominance in fundraising comes as no surprise. In a city where individual campaign contributions are capped at $1,000 per person, achieving six-figure totals requires broad and motivated networks — something Carter clearly retains. Yet, his financial strength contrasts sharply with growing dissatisfaction from many residents, particularly after his recent Budget Address, which proposed a 5.3% increase in the property tax levy.
Critics argue this increase unfairly burdens low- and middle-income homeowners, especially in economically challenged neighborhoods, while downtown St. Paul continues to struggle with visible decay and stalled revitalization. Notably, the mayor moved out of the city’s core several years ago, relocating to Ward 7 — a decision that some residents interpret as distancing from the city’s most pressing urban problems.
We encourage you to view our parody of the devastation in downtown of St Paul.
Yan Chen (DFL-St Paul)
|
Total contributions under $50 |
$906 |
|
Total contributions equal to or over $50 |
$156,203 |
|
Expenditures |
$115,338 |
|
Account Balance (as of report end date) |
$28,442 |
While Chen‘s eight week pre-election report shows strong financial activity, there are notable inconsistencies between reported contributions and expenditures — suggesting the likely presence of self-financing, which has yet to be fully detailed. A prominent donor on record is former City Council member Jane Prince.
As a non-establishment candidate, Chen faces a familiar challenge: fundraising without access to large political networks, donor lists, or party infrastructure. The uphill nature of her campaign is made steeper by the city’s political culture — one where outsider candidates, particularly women of color without extensive political lineage, face systemic hurdles.
Still, her performance so far demonstrates serious commitment, if not yet electoral traction.
Kaohly Her (DFL-St. Paul)
|
Total contributions under $50 |
$1,123.60 |
|
Total contributions equal to or over $50 |
$62,955.00 |
|
Expenditures |
$12,112.50 |
|
Account Balance (as of report end date) |
$63,082.10 |
Though a late entrant to the race, state Representative Kaohly Her is already making a significant impact — aided by extensive support from the Capitol’s well-wired donor base. Her pre-election report reads like a “who’s who” of the Minnesota lobbying world, with notable contributions from:
Gavin Hanson, Amanda Jansen, Allyson Hartle, Andrew Kozak, Amanda Duerr, Robyn Rowen, Ward Einess, Courtney Jasper, Barbara Cox, Amy Walstien, Rochelle Westlund, Sonnie Elliot, Patrick Connolly, Bill Harper, Brian Rice, Jerry Seck, Matthew Freeman, John Kingrey, Paul Winkelaar, Nancy Haas, Tom Poul — among others.
Her eight week pre-election report
With deep connections and a polished political presence, Her appears well-positioned to hold her own, even as she faces off against her former employer, Mayor Carter.
Mike Hilborn (Republican)
|
Total contributions under $50 |
$972.41 |
|
Total contributions equal to or over $50 |
$21,229.21 |
|
Expenditures |
$21,486.29 |
|
Account Balance (as of report end date) |
$714.63 |
As the sole Republican in the race, Mike Hilborn has struggled to gain financial momentum. He has neither leaned into self-financing nor mounted a visible fundraising push. In a city as deeply blue as St. Paul, where Democratic candidates dominate citywide contests, Hilborn’s campaign appears more symbolic than competitive — barring an unexpected shift in voter sentiment.
Hilborn eight week pre-election report.
Adam Dullinger (DSC – Democratic Socialist Caucus)
No campaign finance report has been filed by Adam Dullinger. In private conversations, he has indicated that he does not intend to spend more than $750, raising questions about whether this figure includes the $500 candidate filing fee. His grassroots campaign appears more issue-driven than electoral in nature.
Conclusion: Dollars Raised, But Questions Remain
Mayor Carter’s formidable fundraising shows the power of incumbency, but his critics — both inside and outside City Hall — argue money alone cannot paper over the policy frustrations felt in many corners of St. Paul. Her and Chen present distinct alternatives, each with different strengths and limitations. Hilborn and Dullinger may find resonance among niche constituencies, but as of now, the race remains Carter’s to lose — unless public discontent coalesces around a credible challenger with staying power.
As always, in politics and in St. Paul, money talks — but voters ultimately decide who gets to lead.