Independent Enters Open Senate District 49 Race

Kris Babler vows pragmatic politics, criticizes DFL endorsement process

Apr. 17, 2026 at 5:08pm

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A cinematic painting of a lone figure walking down a shadowy urban street, the warm sunlight casting deep shadows across the scene, conceptually representing the independent candidate's bid to rise above partisan divisions.An independent candidate's campaign for state senate aims to offer a cooperative alternative to partisan politics in a closely divided district.Eden Prairie Today

Kris Babler, a former U.S. Army captain, entrepreneur, and longtime basketball coach, has launched an independent bid for the open Senate District 49 seat in Minnesota. Babler is positioning himself as a cooperative alternative to partisan politics, criticizing the DFL endorsement process that led to the nomination of Dr. Krishnan 'Krish' Subrahmanian.

Why it matters

The open Senate District 49 race is seen as a key battleground, with the district including the west metro cities of Eden Prairie and southern Minnetonka. Babler's independent candidacy could shake up the race and give voters a different option beyond the traditional party nominees.

The details

Babler plans to seek ballot access as an independent and does not intend to seek party endorsement or run in a party primary. He has criticized the DFL endorsement process, arguing that a handful of prominent Democrats in the district effectively 'coronated' Subrahmanian before the caucuses and convention. Babler is campaigning on what he calls the 'Minnesota Legislative Restoration Act,' which he says is an effort to return the Legislature to its 'historic, non-partisan roots'.

  • In November 2025, incumbent Sen. Steve Cwodzinski announced he would not seek reelection.
  • On April 11, 2026, Senate District 49 DFL delegates endorsed Dr. Krishnan 'Krish' Subrahmanian as their nominee.

The players

Kris Babler

A former U.S. Army captain, entrepreneur, and longtime basketball coach who is running as an independent candidate for the open Senate District 49 seat.

Dr. Krishnan 'Krish' Subrahmanian

The DFL-endorsed candidate for the open Senate District 49 seat, selected by delegates at the April 11, 2026 convention.

Sen. Steve Cwodzinski

The incumbent senator for District 49 who announced in November 2025 that he would not seek reelection.

Laurie Pryor

A former District 49B state representative who signed a December 2025 letter endorsing Subrahmanian before the caucuses and convention.

Ron Case

The mayor of Eden Prairie who signed a December 2025 letter endorsing Subrahmanian before the caucuses and convention.

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What they’re saying

“I am incredibly honored to step forward for our community. I've spent my life in the arena and in the service, where I learned how important cooperation is. I'm running because I love Minnesota, and I'm worried about my kids growing up in a harsh political environment that didn't exist when I was young. It's time to move past the drama and get back to the work of looking out for our neighbors.”

— Kris Babler, Independent Candidate

“We are extremely grateful to the record number of voters who endorsed Dr. Krish last Saturday through a highly competitive democratic endorsement process. We had excellent fellow candidates, forums, and thousands of conversations along the way. We are thankful for the support from voters around the district who saw Dr. Krish's ability to uphold Minnesota values while building bridges to all.”

— Adam Rothman, Campaign Manager for Dr. Krishnan 'Krish' Subrahmanian

What’s next

Babler plans to begin a series of listening posts throughout the district in May to connect with voters.

The takeaway

Babler's independent candidacy injects a new dynamic into the Senate District 49 race, offering voters an alternative to the traditional party nominees. His criticism of the DFL endorsement process and pledge for a more cooperative, non-partisan approach could resonate with some constituents seeking a break from partisan gridlock.