DFL retains Minnesota Senate after SD47 win; GOP takes SD29
Special elections Tuesday left the DFL with a 34–33 Senate majority after state Rep. Amanda Hemmingsen‑Jaeger won open Senate District 47 roughly 61–39 to replace Nicole Mitchell, who resigned following a felony burglary conviction. Republican Michael Holmstrom Jr. captured Senate District 29 by about a 24‑point margin to fill the seat vacated by the late Sen. Bruce Anderson; the House remains evenly split and the Legislature is slated to reconvene Feb. 17, 2026.
📌 Key Facts
- The DFL retained control of the Minnesota Senate, 34–33, after special elections in SD47 and SD29: Amanda Hemmingsen‑Jaeger (DFL) won SD47 and Michael Holmstrom Jr. (GOP) won SD29.
- Unofficial results/tallies showed Hemmingsen‑Jaeger winning SD47 by about 61%–39% with 17 of 19 precincts reporting, and Holmstrom winning SD29 by roughly a 24‑point margin (about 62%–38%) with 35 of 37 precincts reporting.
- The SD47 vacancy followed Sen. Nicole Mitchell’s resignation after a felony burglary conviction (she was sentenced to six months work release, a 21‑month stayed sentence and five years’ probation); the SD29 vacancy followed the death of longtime Sen. Bruce Anderson, 75.
- Hemmingsen‑Jaeger is a state representative (since 2023) with a background in science and public policy; she won the DFL primary with 82.28%. GOP SD47 primary candidate Dorau was uncontested and is a retired Air Force colonel and AFJROTC instructor.
- Post‑election statements and priorities: Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy congratulated Hemmingsen‑Jaeger; Holmstrom issued statements emphasizing fraud enforcement, public safety, parental rights and lowering costs; both winners gave victory comments outlining their agendas.
- Campaign and voter concerns cited across coverage included rising health care and child care costs, calls for tougher immigration enforcement, and worries about fraud in state programs.
- The special‑election winners will serve the remainder of the term through January 2027; the Minnesota Legislature is slated to resume session Feb. 17, 2026, and the Minnesota House remains evenly split heading into the session.
- Reports flagged a potential future change in the Senate margin if DFL Sen. Omar Fateh wins the Minneapolis mayoral race and resigns his Senate seat, which could trigger another vacancy.
📰 Sources (5)
Holmstrom, Hemmingsen-Jaeger win special elections for state Senate
New information:
- Adds candidate quotes from Michael Holmstrom Jr. and Amanda Hemmingsen-Jaeger declaring priorities after victory.
- Reiterates specific margins: Hemmingsen-Jaeger 61%–38% and describes Holmstrom’s win as a 24‑point margin.
- Flags a possible new vacancy if DFL Sen. Omar Fateh wins the Minneapolis mayoral race and resigns his Senate seat.
DFL holds on to Senate majority in special elections; GOP holds Wright County seat
New information:
- Pioneer Press reports SD47 unofficial tally at 61%–39% with 17 of 19 precincts reporting as of 10:30 p.m.
- Reports SD29 at 62%–38% with 35 of 37 precincts reporting.
- New quotes: Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy congratulates Hemmingsen-Jaeger; Holmstrom issues statement on priorities (fraud, public safety, parental rights, lowering costs).
- Adds voter and campaign-issue context (health care/child care costs, immigration crackdown concerns, fraud in state programs).
- Notes causes of vacancies: Nicole Mitchell’s resignation after felony burglary conviction; Bruce Anderson’s death at 75.
DFL retains control of the Minnesota Senate after special elections
New information:
- DFL retains control of the Minnesota Senate, 34–33.
- Amanda Hemmingsen-Jaeger (DFL) won SD47; Michael Holmstrom Jr. (GOP) won SD29.
- House remains evenly split for the upcoming session.
- Legislature is slated to resume session on Feb. 17, 2026.
Live Minnesota election results: Senate District 47 special election
New information:
- FOX 9 will post live results after polls close at 8 p.m.
- Primary context: Hemmingsen-Jaeger won 82.28% in the DFL primary; Dorau was uncontested in the GOP primary.
- District lean and 2022 baseline: Nicole Mitchell beat Dorau 59–41% in 2022.
- Candidate bios: Hemmingsen-Jaeger (state representative since 2023; background in science/public policy); Dorau (retired Air Force colonel; AFJROTC instructor at St. Paul Johnson High).
- Vacancy details and sentencing: Mitchell resigned after burglary conviction; sentenced to six months work release and a 21‑month stayed sentence with five years’ probation.
- Term detail: Winner serves through January 2027.