David Wellstone
David Wellstone
Minnesota Democratic Senate nominee?
$95.4K
AUG 12, 2026
Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Overview
Current roleAuthor
Political ideologyProgressive Democrat
GenderMale
LocationMinnesota
BackgroundAuthor
Show moreShow less
Notable personal detailsPaul David Wellstone Jr., commonly known as David (or Dave) Wellstone, is the son of U.S. Senator Paul Wellstone and Sheila Wellstone. He has been active in progressive politics and advocacy, including co-founding and serving as a co-chair of Wellstone Action (later renamed Re:Power), a training organization for organizers and political leaders. He is also the author of the memoir "Becoming Wellstone: Healing from Tragedy and Carrying on My Father's Legacy."
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
A new poll shows support for abolishing ICE has risen sharply after a Minnesota shooting involving an ICE agent, intensifying criticism of the agency and renewing calls from some Democrats to dismantle it. The debate is expected to influence the 2026 midterm elections, a context relevant to David Wellstone as a candidate.
Support for Abolishing ICE Surges After Minneapolis Shooting-Poll
Democrats and Republicans Are Losing Young Americans
What the people who run elections are worried about ahead of the 2026 midterms
Democrats should reject billionaires for populist agenda, Warren says
New updates coming soon
We're monitoring and will update when new data impacts the race.
- Polls
- Endorsements
- Fundraising