David Wellstone
David Wellstone
Minnesota Democratic Senate nominee?
$211.4K
AUG 12, 2026
Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Overview
Current rolePolitical and advocacy organizer
Political ideologyProgressive Democrat
GenderMale
LocationMinnesota
BackgroundPolitical and advocacy organizer
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Notable personal detailsDavid Wellstone is a Minnesota-based political and mental health parity advocate and the son of late U.S. Sen. Paul Wellstone. He has been involved with Wellstone Action (now re:power), which was founded after Sen. Wellstone’s death to train progressive leaders and organizers. In 2007, he participated in congressional advocacy related to mental health parity and was involved in efforts that culminated in the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008.
SourcesShowHide
Positions
Economy & Taxes
The candidate supports progressive economic policies including refundable tax credits for middle‑income families, closing corporate tax loopholes, expanded unemployment insurance, job training, and raising the minimum wage. He advocated corporate accountability and targeted public investments to help working families and expand social programs. His record and public proposals emphasize higher taxes or closing loopholes for corporations and increased government support for lower‑ and middle‑income households.
Climate & Energy
Paul David Wellstone supported strong environmental protections and renewable energy measures during his time in the U.S. Senate, voting consistently for pro-environment policies and opposing expanded drilling in sensitive areas. His lifetime score from the League of Conservation Voters was very high, reflecting sustained pro-climate and clean-energy positions.
News
David Wellstone is in the news as part of Minnesota’s crowded 2026 U.S. Senate race, which is now moving into early voting and the August primary. The seat is open because Sen. Tina Smith is leaving, and both parties are fielding multiple candidates. Recent coverage also points to a broader, competitive Minnesota election cycle, with major races drawing attention and money across the state.
Minnesota primary elections 2026: What you need to know as voting begins
Minnesota sues to block Trump administration’s withholding of Medicaid funds
MN sues to block Trump administration's withholding of Medicaid funds
Hall of Famer Tony Dungy endorses Michele Tafoya in crowded Minnesota Republican primary for U.S. Senate
Endorsements
Endorsers of David Wellstone for Minnesota Democratic Senate nominee?
Wellstone Democratic Renewal Club
Public figure
Wellstone Democratic Renewal Club endorsed David Wellstone in its June 2, 2026 primary endorsement results.
New updates coming soon
We're monitoring and will update when new data impacts the race.
- Polls
- Fundraising