In this special edition of Politics Friday, MPR News political editor Mike Mulcahy previews Tuesday’s primary election in Minnesota.

There are a few competitive primaries for seats in Congress — including the 5th District DFL race and the 7th District Republican contest. There are also some interesting legislative primaries in which sitting lawmakers face challenges from within their own parties.

But it’s not politics as usual in Minnesota, as early voting numbers have spiked due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Mulcahy talks with Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon about the early voting process and what it will mean for counting ballots on primary night.

Mulcahy also talks with North News editor Harry Colbert Jr. about what 5th District residents are hearing from the DFL candidates. Political analysts Todd Rapp and Maureen Shaver run down all the interesting races and look ahead to November.

Guests:

• Steve Simon is Minnesota’s Secretary of State.

• Harry Colbert Jr. is the editor of North News.

• Maureen Shaver is a lobbyist with Shaver Public Affairs.

• Todd Rapp is the president and CEO of the public relations firm Rapp Strategies.