Campaign finance reports show candidate raising, spending as Hennepin County attorney, sheriff races heat up

Last week, candidates running for Hennepin County offices were required to file pre-primary campaign finance reports.

The reports — the first look at campaign finance since the campaigns for Hennepin County attorney and sheriff got seriously underway — cover the campaign cycle through July 25.

While not all the reports are in yet, here’s a look at what the reports tell us so far about how much candidates are raising and spending, and who’s supporting them. This story will be updated as more reports are made publicly available on the Hennepin County campaign finance website.

Hennepin County attorney

The Hennepin County attorney race is an open seat election following news, in September, that Mike Freeman, who has been in the office for much of the last three decades, would not seek reelection. It has drawn more than a few contenders.

In August, a primary will narrow the nonpartisan field down to the two top vote-getters, who will be on the ballot in November.

Of the reports available Tuesday morning, state Rep. Ryan Winkler had raised, by far, the most money in seeking the county attorney seat; nearly $234,000. His report shows financial support from many members of the House DFL caucus, of which he serves as the majority leader. His financial supporters include many law firm and state employees, developer Kelly Doran, Stan Hubbard of Hubbard Broadcasting, Andrew and Eric Dayton as well…