In response to growing claims by Republicans that former President Donald Trump is competitive in several key swing states, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and other high-profile Minnesota Democrats are pushing back and asserting that the state is not swinging towards Trump in the upcoming November election.

During meetings with congressional Republicans on Capitol Hill, the GOP argued that Trump has a shot at winning in Minnesota, New Jersey, and Virginia this year. However, these claims are not supported by broad sets of polling data and are seen by Democrats as a political strategy to force opponents to spend more to defend their interests.

Governor Walz dismissed Trump's claims, stating, "I don't see it on the ground. Donald Trump says a lot of things that aren't true." Walz criticized Trump for his ongoing baseless claims about polls and elections and contrasted Trump's visits to Minnesota with President Biden's focus on delivering funding for important infrastructure projects.

Other Democrats in Minnesota have responded with a mix of defiance and caution. Senator Tina Smith called Trump's claims "grasping at straws," while acknowledging that the election will be close. The Democratic National Committee has invested around $500,000 in Minnesota to support staff, technology, outreach efforts, and party-building initiatives.

Not all Minnesota Democrats are dismissive of Trump's potential impact. Representative Dean Phillips acknowledged the importance of turnout and warned that Trump's presence in the state could actually benefit him. Phillips briefly challenged Biden for the Democratic nomination and understands the challenges of winning in Minnesota.

While the electoral votes of Minnesota, New Jersey, and Virginia are not expected to be decisive, with a Trump victory in these states only contributing to a likely electoral landslide, Trump's meeting with congressional Republicans has sparked speculation that the GOP might invest in cities like Minneapolis, Trenton, and Richmond.

Some New Jersey Democrats scoffed at the idea of Trump winning in the Garden State, while Virginia Democrats urged caution and emphasized the need to treat the race as if they were on a war footing, despite not considering Virginia a Trump-friendly state.

In 2020, Biden won both New Jersey and Virginia by double-digit margins, while Minnesota boasts the longest current winning streak for Democratic presidential candidates, dating back to 1972.

Political strategists recognize that expanding the battleground and claiming a larger map is a common tactic employed by both parties. However, any tightening race in these states could have implications for down-ballot races, including congressional seats.

Representative Angie Craig, a Minnesota Democrat, emphasized the need to be prepared to defend themselves from expected attacks in the competitive Second District race. Democrats are mobilizing to ensure that they do not take anything for granted in this year's election.

As the November election approaches, the battle for swing states and the potential impact on wider political landscapes will continue to unfold. Both Democrats and Republicans are strategizing and investing resources to secure victory in these closely contested areas.