Special primaries on Tuesday determine candidates for open Minnesota Senate seats

Some Minnesotans headed to the polls Tuesday to decide who will be on the ballot for two open state Senate seats. These are special primaries, and whoever ends up winning come Election Day in November could have big implications on the balance of power.

From unexpected deaths to convictions, it’s been a challenging year at the Capitol. On Tuesday, voters chose which state senate candidates they’ll see on the ballot come November for the special election. But with two seats open, there could be a shift in power depending on the results. 

The Senate District 47 seat is open after Nicole Mitchell resigned following her burglary conviction. This district represents the Woodbury area.

Preliminary results show DFL candidate Amanda Hemmingsen-Jaeger winning the nomination with 82% of the vote. She faced Ethan Cha. Both are currently Minnesota House representatives. 

Hemmingsen-Jaeger will face Republican candidate Dwight Dorau, who is running unopposed. 

The other opening is in Senate District 29 after the unexpected death of Sen. Bruce Anderson. District 29 represents Wright County.

The three Republicans in the race are Rachel Davis, Michael Holmstrom Jr. and Bradley Kurtz. Preliminary results show Holmstrom Jr. taking the nomination with 73% of the vote. He will face DFL candidate Louis McNutt.

These races will be ones to watch, because Democrats currently have a one-seat advantage in the Senate. Depending on who wins in November, that could change. 

There’s also an open seat in the House after former House Speaker Melissa Hortman’s death. A primary was already held in that race, and the special election will take place next month. 

See election results below: