Cook County GOP and DFL parties see increased turnout for precinct caucus night

Precinct caucuses held Tuesday night in Cook County drew increased attendance for the Republican and Democratic-Farmer-Labor political parties.

In Cook County, the Republican Party held a caucus at The Hub in Grand Marais, with 32 people in attendance.

“Attendance really improved tonight,” said Brad Sillman, vice chair of the Cook County Republican Party. “We’ve been watching a steady increase in numbers in the party, which is what we’re really looking for.”

The Cook County DFL Party held caucus meetings at the Arrowhead Center for the Arts in Grand Marais and the Birch Grove Community Center in Tofte.

The DFL caucus at the Arrowhead Center for the Arts drew 101 attendees. Organizers at the ACA told WTIP that the attendance was much higher than previous caucuses held during midterm election years. According to initial reports from the statewide DFL, that trend was consistent across Minnesota, with many county chairs reporting high attendance rates from first-time caucus goers.

When asked about the high attendance, Cook County DFL Chair Kevin Lavore said, “I think that the events in Minneapolis is certainly what’s bringing people out.”

Local political party leaders ran the meetings on Tuesday night and offered individuals a chance to discuss policy priorities and consider candidates to help share party platforms.

At the Cook County Republican Party caucus, party leaders and attendees read letters from several Republican gubernatorial candidates and then voted in a gubernatorial straw poll. Lisa Demuth received the most votes, followed by Mike Lindell.

The local straw poll results mirrored trends seen in GOP caucuses across Minnesota. As of 9:21 a.m. Wednesday, 76% of reported statewide results showed Demuth leading the gubernatorial straw polls, followed by Kendall Qualls in second place and Lindell in third.

During the Tuesday night caucus, Cook County Republican Party attendees discussed and voted on resolutions to submit to upcoming conventions. Party issues included improving education and student test scores, supporting a smaller, more efficient government, strengthening voter integrity, and more.

At the Cook County DFL Caucus at the ACA, attendees put their support behind Amy Klobuchar for governor, with 73 votes going to Klobuchar, and 16 uncommitted. The DFL has reported strong support for Klobuchar across the state.

Caucus-goers heard statements about candidates for other offices before breaking into precinct groups to discuss resolutions and party positions. Topping the list of issues discussed were protecting civil liberties and constitutional rights, banning mining around watersheds, and health care access, among other topics.

Precinct Caucus Night Feb. 3 – Cook County Republican Party

Cook County Republican Party Vice Chair Brad Sillman and other attendees spoke with WTIP.

Precinct Caucus Night Feb. 3. – Cook County Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party

WTIP Staff February 4, 2026