Matt Little’s decisive capture of the DFL endorsement at the May 10 district convention, where he secured 63 percent of delegate support on the first ballot, has solidified trader expectations ahead of the August 11 primary. State Rep. Kaela Berg and state Sen. Matt Klein both withdrew from further endorsement consideration yet confirmed they will contest the primary, leaving a three-way race plus minor candidates. Little’s earlier lead in the February DFL straw poll and his background as former Lakeville mayor and state senator continue to anchor support among convention delegates and local activists. With the open seat created by Rep. Angie Craig’s Senate bid, the endorsement provides Little measurable organizational and fundraising momentum that has not yet been offset by the remaining challengers’ campaigns.