Biography
Todd Podgorski is the Republican candidate for the Minnesota State Senate, District 53, in the November 3, 2026 general election; the seat has no incumbent, and Paul Cumings (D) is also running.[1][2] A law enforcement officer, he described himself in a Ballotpedia survey as a peace officer and South St. Paul city council member.[2][3]
Todd Podgorski graduated from Woodbury High School, earned an associate degree from Inver Hills Community College in 1994, and received a bachelor's degree from Winona State University in 1996.[2] In a Ballotpedia survey, he said he is a husband and father, that his wife is an elementary teacher, and that his son is a peace officer who serves in the Minnesota National Guard.[3]
Podgorski said in the survey that he is endorsed by both the Republican Party and the Minnesota Forward Independence Party.[3] He listed protecting tax dollars from fraud, waste and abuse through more audits of departments that distribute state grants, affordable single-family housing, and public safety among his campaign messages.[3] He also said he supports constitutional amendments for term limits, age limits and ending Citizens United.[3]
- 1.Minnesota State Senate elections, 2026 · Ballotpedia Reference
- 2.Todd Podgorski · Ballotpedia Reference
- 3.Todd Podgorski - Candidate Connection survey responses · Ballotpedia Candidate's own words
Researched from the cited sources on 2026-10-21. Not yet independently fact-checked.
Minnesota Senate District 53
Todd Podgorski is on the Nov 3, 2026 ballot for Minnesota Senate District 53 as R. Not researched in depth — candidate list only.