![Minnesota Governor 2018: A Who’s Who Of Possible Candidates](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2016/11/Erin-Murphy1.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Minnesota Governor 2018: A Who’s Who Of Possible Candidates
ST. PAUL (AP) — The break from politics in Minnesota is over. Let the 2018 race for governor begin.
Democratic Rep. Erin Murphy announced this week she's running for party's gubernatorial nod. The former House majority leader is the first candidate to make it official.
But the field of Democrats and Republicans is expected to grow as both parties aim to replace Gov. Mark Dayton, who won't seek a third term.
On the Republican side, House Speaker Kurt Daudt is a top-tier contender who may decide to run. Hennepin County Sheriff Rich Stanek and state Sen. Michelle Benson also are in the mix.
Among Democrats, Lt. Gov. Tina Smith has a high-profile perch to make her case to voters. State Auditor Rebecca Otto and St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman have also expressed interest.
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