Third-Party Candidate Exits Minnesota Governor's Race

Mike Newcome's campaign ends amid immigration enforcement crackdown, officials say.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 9:52pm

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Mike Newcome, a third-party candidate for Minnesota governor, has withdrawn from the race after his campaign fizzled following an intensification of immigration enforcement efforts, according to state party officials.

Why it matters

Newcome's exit leaves the gubernatorial race between the Democratic and Republican nominees, potentially shifting the political dynamics in the state. The circumstances around his withdrawal also highlight the impact of immigration policy on local and state-level elections.

The details

Newcome, a Lake Elmo businessman, had mounted an independent campaign for Minnesota governor. However, party officials say his campaign lost momentum after a crackdown on immigration enforcement in the state, which they believe disproportionately affected Newcome's base of support.

  • Newcome announced his withdrawal from the race on March 31, 2026.

The players

Mike Newcome

A Lake Elmo businessman who was running as an independent candidate for Minnesota governor.

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The takeaway

Newcome's withdrawal underscores the influence of immigration policy on state-level elections, as well as the challenges facing third-party candidates in a political landscape dominated by the two-party system.