Minnesota Democrats maintained control of the state senate on Tuesday following a pair of special elections to fill seats left vacant by the resignation of DFL Sen. Nicole Mitchell and death of Republican Sen. Bruce Anderson.
DFL Rep. Amanda Hemmingsen-Jaeger is projected to easily win the Senate District 47 race over Republican challenger Dwight Dorau. Hemmingsen-Jaeger received 61.69% of the vote. Meanwhile, Republican Michael Holmstrom Jr. easily defeated DFLer Louis McNutt in District 29.
“The DFL congratulates Senator-elect Amanda Hemmingsen-Jaeger on her victory in the special election to represent the people of District 47 in the Minnesota Senate,” said Minnesota DFL Chair Richard Carlbom. “Her decisive win is a victory for all Minnesotans as it ensures DFLers will continue our work leading the Minnesota Senate and making life more affordable for working families across our state."
Tuesday's election put the Minnesota Senate back to a Democratic majority by one seat, 34-33.
“I want to congratulate Michael Holmstrom Jr. on his decisive victory tonight. He will be a strong conservative voice for Wright County and bring his Minnesota values to the Senate,” Senator Mark Johnson said. The election results tonight demonstrate that Democrats’ far-left agenda has divided our state while people are looking for commonsense solutions. Senator-Elect Holmstrom will join the fight to protect girls’ sports, keep our kids safe in school, and stop the fraud.”
Rep. Hemmingsen-Jaeger's win takes away the 67-67 tie in the Minnesota House with a special election now needed to fill that vacancy ahead of the Legislature reconvening in February.
All 201 legislative seats are up for grabs in 2026.