Two Minnesota Senate Districts Hold Special Election Primaries

Special elections are scheduled for November 4 to fill vacant state Senate seats in Minnesota and a county commissioner seat in Columbia County. In Minnesota's District 47, Democrat Amanda Hemmingsen-Jaeger won the primary and will face Republican Dwight Dorau; this seat was vacated by Nicole Mitchell following felony burglary convictions. In District 29, Republican Michael Holmstrom Jr. won the primary and will compete against Democrat Louis McNutt to replace the late Senator Bruce Anderson. Meanwhile, Columbia County's District 2 Board of Commissioners seat is contested by Democrat Howard Johnson and Republican Jim Sneed, following Trey Allen's resignation to join the Trump Administration. Early and absentee voting details have been announced for both elections. These contests are significant as the Minnesota Senate balance of power may hinge on the outcomes, with Democrats previously holding a slim majority.