Dakota County, Minnesota

Minnesota Senate District 53

2 candidates are tracked for Minnesota Senate District 53 on the November 3, 2026 ballot: Paul Cumings and Todd Podgorski. Candidate information follows official Dakota County election filings; verify with the official election office linked below.

About this race

Paul Cumings (Democratic-Farmer-Labor), Todd Podgorski (Republican) are on the November 3 ballot for Minnesota Senate District 53. Not on the November ballot: Matt D. Klein, the sitting member per the roster. Nominees were chosen at the August 11, 2026 primary (where contested) or qualified directly for the general ballot. The field is the Secretary of State's certified candidate table; Minnesota prints unopposed candidates rather than deeming them elected. This seat is elected by district; only the district covering your address appears on your ballot.

What this office does

State legislator. State legislators write and vote on state laws and the state budget, which fund schools, roads, prisons, universities and health programs, and set the rules for local governments and elections. Each member represents one district and serves on committees that shape bills before a floor vote. Terms are two years in most state houses and four in most state senates.

This race. Elected by district: only voters who live in the district see this race on their ballot.

Minnesota › Dakota County › Minnesota Senate District 53

Paul Cumings

Democratic-Farmer-Labor

Top priorities

Advocate for immigrants and push back against federal overreach
Address wage stagnation so hardworking people earn a living wage
Improve outcomes in health care, education and environmental stewardship

Per the campaign site.

Biography

Paul Cumings brings nearly 20 years of state government experience and serves as a local school board member, per the campaign site. He has hosted community gatherings to help neighbors learn about their rights and mutual aid resources, per the campaign site.

Campaign site (opens in a new tab)

Todd Podgorski

Republican

Top priorities

Supporting law enforcement while strengthening community safety
Expanding healthcare access and mental health resources
Creating jobs and supporting local businesses

Per the campaign site.

Biography

Podgorski has more than 28 years of experience in law enforcement and has served on the South St. Paul City Council since 2011 after earlier serving on the South St. Paul School Board, per the campaign site. He has been married 29 years and has three children, per the campaign site.

Campaign site (opens in a new tab)

Next on your ballotMinnesota Senate District 55

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Voting info and more

Questions about this race

Who is running for Minnesota Senate District 53 in 2026?

When is the Minnesota Senate District 53 election in Minnesota?

Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Registration deadlines, early voting dates and mail ballot rules for Minnesota are on the Minnesota election hub at theballotbrief.com.

How do I see my exact Dakota County ballot?

Enter your ZIP code in the lookup at theballotbrief.com for the statewide and congressional races, or a full street address to add the county, city and district contests for that location.

Verify this race

Candidate roster from official Dakota County and state election office filings, last verified September 29, 2026. Bios and priorities carry their attribution inline.

Cross-check with the official Minnesota election office, or see the full Dakota County sample ballot and your exact ballot by address.

The rest of your Dakota County ballot

46 tracked races in Dakota County, Minnesota. Landed here from another county's search? Look up your own ballot below.

Also on your ballot

Minnesota Senate District 56 Minnesota Senate District 57 Minnesota Senate District 58 See all 46 Dakota County races

Candidate profiles

Paul Cumings, full profile Todd Podgorski, full profile Official Minnesota election office