MINNEAPOLIS — Minneapolis and St Paul voters set new benchmarks for turnout in a municipal election on Tuesday and they weren't alone. Across the country, voters turned out in force in a variety of local and statewide races.

While Democrats were the biggest beneficiaries of that increased turnout – winning most of the big races – the voters sent a variety of messages to leaders of both parties.

"I think one of the lessons to be learned is that people are concerned about pocketbook issues," said political analyst Brian McClung. "Democrats clearly – in the exit polling – had the upper hand with voters who said that they were most concerned about rising costs and the economy."

McClung said that polling reflects one of the biggest departures from the 2024 election.

"The Republicans, I thin

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