“If I could win a state like Minnesota, the path is a whole different thing,” Trump told the cheering crowd. “It becomes a much, much different race. We’re going to give it our greatest shot.”

Wearing a blue blazer, open collar and white baseball cap, Trump said he has “so many friends” in Minnesota and vowed to return “a lot.” He teased his recently hired state director, Mike Lukach, saying he would be “so angry” if he loses the state. Minnesota last went for the Republican in the presidential race in 1972.

Tickets to the fundraiser ranged from $1,000 per person to $100,000 per couple.

“People want to live, mind their own business and have a good job, and I think that’s something Donald Trump understands,” former U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann said on her way inside. Bachmann said she has known Trump for five years, has had private meetings and has been advising him on foreign policy and faith issues.