A special election was held in the U.S. state of Minnesota on February 9, 2016, to elect a new senator for District 35 in the Minnesota Senate, caused by the resignation of Senator Branden Petersen, effective on October 31, 2015. A primary election was held on January 12, 2016, to nominate a Republican Party of Minnesota candidate. Former state representative Jim Abeler, the Republican nominee, won the special election.
Candidates
Republican Party of Minnesota The Senate District 35 Republican Party held a convention to endorse a candidate on November 14. Andy Aplikowski won the endorsement after four rounds of balloting. Former state representative Jim Abeler said he would continue to seek the Republican nomination. Don Huizenga was undecided on whether he would continue to seek the nomination, but ultimately did not file a candidacy. Brad Sunderland said he would abide by the endorsement.
Jim Abeler, former state representative and candidate for the 2014 U.S. Senate Republican nomination Andy Aplikowski, party activist
Withdrawn Alex Huffman, business owner and former U.S. Army serviceman Don Huizenga, party activist Reid Oines Brad Sunderland, chair of the Senate District 35 Republican Party
Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party The Senate District 35 Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party endorsed Roger Johnson on December 16, 2015.
Roger Johnson, community activist
Legal Marijuana Now Party Zach Phelps
Primary election results District 35 special primary election, 2016 Party Candidate Votes % Republican Party of Minnesota Jim Abeler 2,818 60.93 Andy Aplikowski 1,807 39.07 Subtotal 4,625 100.00 Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party Roger Johnson 282 100.00 Total 4,907 100.00
Results Minnesota Senate District 35 special election, 2016 Party Candidate Votes % ∆ Republican Party of Minnesota Jim Abeler 3,237 73.69 +19.48 Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party Roger Johnson 947 21.56 −24.07 Legal Marijuana Now Party Zach Phelps 180 4.10 +4.10 Write-in N/A 29 0.66 +0.50 Total 4,393 100.00 ±0.00
Previous election results Minnesota Senate election, 2012: District 35 Party Candidate Votes % ∆ Republican Party of Minnesota Branden Petersen 22,874 54.21 −6.38 Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party Peter Perovich 19,253 45.63 +6.33 Write-in N/A 69 0.16 +0.05 Total 42,196 100.00 ±0.00
See also List of special elections to the Minnesota Senate
References
External links Information on the special election at the Minnesota Secretary of State website