As anticipated, the balance of power in the Minnesota Senate remained in a one-seat DFL majority following the results of two special elections held on November 4.
District 29 in Wright County elected Republican Michael Holmstrom Jr. to fill the vacancy left by the death of longtime State Sen. Bruce Anderson (GOP). The resignation of former DFL State Sen. Nicole Mitchell following her felony burglary conviction required a special election for District 47 in Woodbury. Current DFL Rep. Amanda Hemmingsen-Jaeger won the seat, which now leaves an opening in her House seat.
Another vacancy comes with the election of State Rep. Kaohly Her (DFL) as St. Paul mayor, who defeated two-term incumbent Mayor Melvin Carter in an interparty challenge. Her only entered the mayoral race in August, making her victory surprising to many pundits. (Editorial Comment – Amanda was not surprised!)
So, the revolving door of the Minnesota Legislature keeps on turning, with two more special elections (47A and 64A) needed to get the House back to full strength. Minnesota is now on track to beat its record of most special elections in one year; there have already been six in 2025!
Primaries will be held on December 16 and special elections will occur on January 27, 2026.
