Elections for the Minnesota State Senate were held in Minnesota on November 6, 2012. A total of 67 seats were up for election.
The signature filing deadline for candidates wishing to run in these elections was June 5, 2012. The primary Election Day was August 14, 2012.
Although Minnesota senators typically serve four-year terms, they are elected to a two-year term during the first election of the decade. This allows for legislative elections to fall shortly after redistricting is completed. Since Minnesota Senate terms are not staggered, all sitting members were on the ballot in November.
Majority control[edit]
- See also: Partisan composition of state senates
Heading into the November 6 election, the Republican Party held the majority in the Minnesota State Senate:
Incumbents retiring[edit]
A total of 16 incumbents did not run for re-election in 2012. Those incumbents were:
Campaign contributions[edit]
- See also: State-by-state comparison of donations to state senate campaigns
This chart shows how many candidates ran for state senate in Minnesota in past years and the cumulative amount of campaign contributions in state senate races, including contributions in both primary and general election contests. All figures come from Follow The Money.[1]
Year
|
Number of candidates
|
Total contributions
|
2010
|
160
|
$5,109,415
|
2006
|
152
|
$5,999,082
|
2002
|
175
|
$5,317,916
|
In 2010, the candidates for state house raised a total of $5,109,415 in campaign contributions. The top 10 donors were:[2]
Donor
|
Amount
|
Public Fund
|
$866,745
|
Public Fund
|
$559,372
|
Housley, Karin
|
$39,555
|
6th Senate District Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party
|
$23,500
|
Nelson Carla Jean House District 30A Cmte
|
$14,014
|
Minnesota Telecom Alliance
|
$14,000
|
Education Minnesota
|
$12,900
|
Faegre & Benson
|
$11,900
|
Minnesota Association of Realtors
|
$11,750
|
Minnesota Dental Association
|
$11,600
|
Qualifications[edit]
To be eligible to run for the Minnesota State Senate in 2010, a candidate must be:[3]
- Eligible to vote in Minnesota
- Have not filed for more than one office for the upcoming primary or general election
- At least 21 years old by January 3, 2011
- A resident of Minnesota for at least one year
- A resident of the legislative district for at least 6 months before November 2, 2010
Impact of redistricting[edit]
- See also: Redistricting in Minnesota
The Minnesota Legislature drafts and passes redistricting plans as it does other pieces of legislation. Each chamber must form a committee specifically focused on redistricting. A joint committee, with two Democrats and two Republicans from each chamber, is also formed. The Governor of Minnesota has the power to veto any plan.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Minnesota's population grew from 4.92 million in 2000 to 5.30 million in 2010. The population density in 2010 was highest in the Twin Cities metropolitan area, and the population center of the state is just northwest of the city.[4] Minnesota's population growth was largely spurred by increasing numbers within minority groups. The highest levels of growth geographically were in the suburban areas around the Twin Cities. Population losses occurred in the urban centers of the Twin Cities and in the rural areas in the northern part of the state.[5]
The population shifts to the suburban areas suggested from the beginning of the process that Republican areas would hold an advantage in the redistricting process. The initial Republican plan was very favorable to Republican incumbents.[6] This plan passed the state legislature and was vetoed by Governor Mark Dayton.[7] Responsibility for final drafting of the maps fell to a judicial panel, which substantially overhauled the state legislative maps. In total, the legislative maps pair a staggering 46 incumbents. In the House, the plan pairs 30 incumbents, or 1 in 5 state representatives--this leaves 15 open House seats. In the Senate, the plan pairs 16 incumbents, or nearly 1 in 4 state senators--this leaves 8 open Senate seats.[8]
List of candidates[edit]
District 1[edit]
- August 14 DFL primary:
- LeRoy Stumpf -a Incumbent Stumpf first assumed office in 1983.
- August 14 GOP primary:
November 6 General election candidates:
- LeRoy Stumpf: 22,298
- Steve Nordhagen: 14,475
District 2[edit]
- August 14 DFL primary:
- Rod Skoe -aIncumbent Skoe first assumed office in 2003.
- August 14 GOP primary:
November 6 General election candidates:
- Rod Skoe: 21,269
- Dennis Moser: 17,423
District 3[edit]
- August 14 DFL primary:
- Thomas Bakk -aIncumbent Bakk first assumed office in 2003.
- August 14 GOP primary:
November 6 General election candidates:
- Thomas Bakk: 28,427
- Jennifer Havlick: 15,509
District 4[edit]
- August 14 DFL primary:
- August 14 GOP primary:
November 6 General election candidates:
- Kent Eken: 19,833
- Phil Hansen: 18,132
District 5[edit]
- August 14 DFL primary:
- August 14 GOP primary:
- John Carlson -aIncumbent Carlson first assumed office in 2011.
November 6 General election candidates:
- Tom Saxhaug: 21,301
- John Carlson: 19,362
District 6[edit]
- August 14 DFL primary:
- August 14 GOP primary:
November 6 General election candidates:
- David Tomassoni: 30,882
- Brandon D. Anderson: 12,220
District 7[edit]
- August 14 DFL primary:
- August 14 GOP primary:
November 6 General election candidates:
- Roger Reinert: 32,684
- Tyler Verry: 9,621
District 8[edit]
- August 14 DFL primary:
- August 14 GOP primary:
November 6 General election candidates:
- Dan Skogen: 20,197
- Bill Ingebrigtsen: 22,693
District 9[edit]
Note: Incumbent Democrat Keith Langseth did not seek re-election.
- August 14 DFL primary:
- August 14 GOP primary:
- Paul Gazelka -aIncumbent Gazelka first assumed office in 2011.
November 6 General election candidates:
- Al Doty: 17,687
- Paul Gazelka: 20,527
District 10[edit]
Note: Incumbent Republican Gretchen Hoffman did not seek re-election.
- August 14 DFL primary:
- August 14 GOP primary:
November 6 General election candidates:
- Taylor Stevenson: 19,490
- Carrie Ruud: 22,848
District 11[edit]
- August 14 DFL primary:
- Tony Lourey -aIncumbent Lourey first assumed office in 2007.
- August 14 GOP primary:
November 6 General election candidates:
- Tony Lourey: 24,342
- Bill Saumer: 13,505
District 12[edit]
- August 14 DFL primary:
- August 14 GOP primary:
November 6 General election candidates:
- John Schultz: 15,801
- Torrey Westrom: 25,279
District 13[edit]
- August 14 DFL primary:
- August 14 GOP primary:
November 6 General election candidates:
- Peggy Boeck: 14,871
- Michelle Fischbach: 26,015
District 14[edit]
- August 14 DFL primary:
- August 14 GOP primary:
November 6 General election candidates:
- Jerry McCarter: 17,434
- John Pederson: 19,351
District 15[edit]
- August 14 DFL primary:
- August 14 GOP primary:
- Dave Brown -aIncumbent Brown first assumed office in 2011.
November 6 General election candidates:
- Sally Knox: 16,787
- Dave Brown: 21,917
District 16[edit]
- August 14 DFL primary:
- August 14 GOP primary:
- Gary Dahms -aIncumbent Dahms first assumed office in 2011.
November 6 General election candidates:
- Ted L. Suss: 18,496
- Gary Dahms: 20,922
District 17[edit]
- August 14 DFL primary:
- August 14 GOP primary:
- Joe Gimse -aIncumbent Gimes first assumed office in 2007.
November 6 General election candidates:
- Lyle Koenen: 21,621
- Joe Gimse: 17,350
District 18[edit]
- August 14 DFL primary:
- August 14 GOP primary:
- Scott Newman -aIncumbent Newman first assumed office in 2011.
November 6 General election candidates:
- Steven Schiroo: 16,180
- Scott Newman: 22,556
District 19[edit]
Note: Incumbent Republican Amy Koch did not seek re-election.
- August 14 DFL primary:
- Kathy Sheran -aIncumbent Sheran first assumed office in 2007.
- August 14 GOP primary:
- No Republicans filed to run in this district.
November 6 General election candidates:
- Kathy Sheran: 33,291
District 20[edit]
- August 14 DFL primary:
- August 14 GOP primary:
November 6 General election candidates:
- Kevin L. Dahle: 20,628
- Mike Dudley: 20,550
District 21[edit]
- August 14 DFL primary:
- August 14 GOP primary:
- John Howe -aIncumbent Howe first assumed office in 2011.
November 6 General election candidates:
- Matt Schmit: 21,937
- John Howe: 19,846
District 22[edit]
Note: Incumbent Republican Doug Magnus did not seek re-election.
- August 14 DFL primary:
- August 14 GOP primary:
November 6 General election candidates:
- Alan Oberloh: 17,457
- Bill Weber: 19,548
District 23[edit]
- August 14 DFL primary:
- August 14 GOP primary:
- Julie Rosen -aIncumbent Rosen first assumed office in 2003.
November 6 General election candidates:
- Paul Marquardt: 14,516
- Julie Rosen: 25,838
District 24[edit]
- August 14 DFL primary:
- August 14 GOP primary:
November 6 General election candidates:
- Vicki Jensen: 19,248
- Vern Swedin: 17,286
District 25[edit]
Note: Incumbent Republican Al DeKruif did not seek re-election.
- August 14 DFL primary:
- August 14 GOP primary:
- David Senjem -aIncumbent Senjem first assumed office in 2003.
November 6 General election candidates:
- Judy Ohly: 19,149
- David Senjem: 22,299
District 26[edit]
Note: Incumbent Republican Mike Parry did not seek re-election.
- August 14 DFL primary:
- August 14 GOP primary:
- Carla Nelson -aIncumbent Nelson first assumed office in 2011.
November 6 General election candidates:
- Kenneth Moen: 17,692
- Carla Nelson: 22,263
District 27[edit]
- August 14 DFL primary:
- Dan Sparks -aIncumbent Sparks first assumed office in 2003.
- August 14 GOP primary:
November 6 General election candidates:
- Dan Sparks: 26,552
- Linden Anderson: 12,334
District 28[edit]
- August 14 DFL primary:
- August 14 GOP primary:
November 6 General election candidates:
- Jack Krage: 17,303
- Jeremy Miller: 23,122
District 29[edit]
Note: Open seat
- August 14 DFL primary:
- August 14 GOP primary:
November 6 General election candidates:
- Brian Doran: 15,867
- Bruce Anderson: 24,486
District 30[edit]
Note: Open seat
- August 14 DFL primary:
- August 14 GOP primary:
November 6 General election candidates:
- Paul Perovich: 15,125
- Mary Kiffmeyer: 25,205
District 31[edit]
- August 14 DFL primary:
- August 14 GOP primary:
November 6 General election candidates:
- Mike Starr: 17,423
- Michelle Benson: 24,774
District 32[edit]
- August 14 DFL primary:
- August 14 GOP primary:
- Sean Nienow -aIncumbent Nienow first assumed office in 2011.
November 6 General election candidates:
- Jeske Noordergraaf: 18,450
- Sean Nienow: 21,955
District 33[edit]
Note: Incumbent Republican Gen Olson did not seek re-election.
- August 14 DFL primary:
- August 14 GOP primary:
November 6 General election candidates:
- Judy Rogosheske: 19,547
- David Osmek: 28,195
District 34[edit]
- August 14 DFL primary:
- August 14 GOP primary:
November 6 General election candidates:
- Sharon Bahensky: 19,406
- Warren Limmer: 25,847
District 35[edit]
Note: Incumbent Republican Claire Robling did not seek re-election.
- August 14 DFL primary:
- August 14 GOP primary:
November 6 General election candidates:
- Peter Perovich: 19,253
- Branden Petersen: 22,874
District 36[edit]
- August 14 DFL primary:
- August 14 GOP primary:
November 6 General election candidates:
- John Hoffman: 22,194
- Benjamin Kruse: 19,522
District 37[edit]
Note: Incumbent Republican Chris Gerlach did not seek re-election.
- August 14 DFL primary:
- August 14 GOP primary:
- Pam Wolf -aIncumbent Wolf first assumed office in 2011.
November 6 General election candidates:
- Alice M. Johnson: 22,814
- Pam Wolf: 19,962
District 38[edit]
- August 14 DFL primary:
- August 14 GOP primary:
November 6 General election candidates:
- Timothy Henderson: 20,849
- Roger Chamberlain: 23,817
District 39[edit]
- August 14 DFL primary:
- Julie Bunn -aBunn was a member of the House from 2007 - 2011.
- August 14 GOP primary:
November 6 General election candidates:
- Julie Bunn: 22,754
- Karin Housley: 23,385
District 40[edit]
- August 14 DFL primary:
- August 14 GOP primary:
- No Republicans filed to run in this district.
November 6 General election candidates:
- Chris Eaton: 25,165
District 41[edit]
Note: Incumbent Republican Geoff Michel did not seek re-election.
- August 14 DFL primary:
- Barb Goodwin -aIncumbent Goodwin first assumed office in 2011.
- August 14 GOP primary:
November 6 General election candidates:
- Barb Goodwin: 25,842
- Gina Bauman: 15,200
District 42[edit]
- August 14 DFL primary:
- August 14 GOP primary:
November 6 General election candidates:
- Bev Scalze: 25,607
- April King: 20,400
District 43[edit]
- August 14 DFL primary:
- August 14 GOP primary:
November 6 General election candidates:
- Charles Wiger: 26,767
- Duane E. (Swede) Johnson: 16,137
District 44[edit]
- August 14 DFL primary:
- Terri Bonoff -aIncumbent Bonoff first assumed office in 2005.
- August 14 GOP primary:
November 6 General election candidates:
- Terri Bonoff: 27,203
- David Gaither: 21,464
District 45[edit]
- August 14 DFL primary:
- Ann Rest -aIncumbent Rest first assumed office in 2001.
- August 14 GOP primary:
November 6 General election candidates:
- Ann Rest: 28,755
- Blair Tremere: 14,680
District 46[edit]
- August 14 DFL primary:
- Ron Latz -aIncumbent Latz first assumed office in 2007.
- August 14 GOP primary:
November 6 General election candidates:
- Ron Latz: 29,755
- Paul Scofield: 15,297
District 47[edit]
- August 14 DFL primary:
- August 14 GOP primary:
November 6 General election candidates:
- James F. Weygand: 15,297
- Julianne Ortman: 27,128
District 48[edit]
Note: Incumbent Republican Mike Jungbauer did not seek re-election.
- August 14 DFL primary:
- August 14 GOP primary:
- David Hann -aIncumbent Hann first assumed office in 2003.
November 6 General election candidates:
- Laurie McKendry: 22,459
- David Hann: 23,730
District 49[edit]
- August 14 DFL primary:
- August 14 GOP primary:
November 6 General election candidates:
- Melisa Franzen: 26,893
- Keith Downey: 24,045
District 50[edit]
- August 14 DFL primary:
- August 14 GOP primary:
November 6 General election candidates:
- Melissa Halvorson Wiklund: 25,300
- Vern Wilcox: 16,193
District 51[edit]
- August 14 DFL primary:
- August 14 GOP primary:
- Ted Daley -aIncumbent Daley first assumed office in 2011.
November 6 General election candidates:
- Jim Carlson: 23,969
- Ted Daley: 21,096
District 52[edit]
Note: Incumbent Republican Ray Vandeveer did not seek re-election.
- August 14 DFL primary:
- James Metzen -aIncumbent Metzen first assumed office in 1987.
- August 14 GOP primary:
November 6 General election candidates:
- James Metzen: 27,149
- Dwight Rabuse: 16,542
District 53[edit]
- August 14 DFL primary:
- August 14 GOP primary:
- Ted Lillie -aIncumbent Lillie first assumed office in 2011.
November 6 General election candidates:
- Susan Kent: 22,781
- Ted Lillie: 20,857
District 54[edit]
- August 14 DFL primary:
- Katie Sieben -aIncumbent Sieben first assumed office in 2007.
- August 14 GOP primary:
November 6 General election candidates:
- Katie Sieben: 26,998
- Janis Quinlan: 15,256
District 55[edit]
- August 14 DFL primary:
- August 14 GOP primary:
November 6 General election candidates:
- Kathy Busch: 18,070
- Eric Pratt: 22,254
District 56[edit]
- August 14 DFL primary:
- August 14 GOP primary:
- Dan Hall -aIncumbent Hall first assumed office in 2011.
November 6 General election candidates:
- Leon Thurman: 18,922
- Dan Hall: 22,226
District 57[edit]
- August 14 DFL primary:
- August 14 GOP primary:
November 6 General election candidates:
- Greg Clausen: 23,890
- Pat Hall: 20,199
District 58[edit]
Note: Incumbent Democrat Linda Higgins did not seek re-election.
- August 14 DFL primary:
- August 14 GOP primary:
November 6 General election candidates:
- Andrew Brobston: 17,686
- Dave Thompson: 24,097
District 59[edit]
Note: Open seat
- August 14 DFL primary:
- August 14 GOP primary:
November 6 General election candidates:
- Bobby Joe Champion: 28,441
- Jim Lilly: 6,082
District 60[edit]
- August 14 DFL primary:
- August 14 GOP primary:
- August 14 Independence Party primary:
November 6 General election candidates:
- Kari Dziedzic: 29,014
- Mark Lazarchic: 6,400
- Rahn V. Workcuff: 2,077
District 61[edit]
- August 14 DFL primary:
- Scott Dibble -aIncumbent Dibble first assumed office in 2003.
- August 14 GOP primary:
- No Republicans filed to run in this district.
November 6 General election candidates:
- Scott Dibble: 41,075
District 62[edit]
- August 14 DFL primary:
- Jeff Hayden -aIncumbent Hayden first assumed office in 2011.
- August 14 GOP primary:
- No Republicans filed to run in this district.
- August 14 Independence Party primary:
November 6 General election candidates:
- Jeff Hayden: 27,516
- Eric Blair: 4,025
District 63[edit]
Note: Incumbent Democrat Ken Kelash did not seek re-election.
- August 14 DFL primary:
- August 14 GOP primary:
November 6 General election candidates:
- Patricia Torres Ray: 36,866
- Patrick Marron: 8,636
District 64[edit]
- August 14 DFL primary:
- August 14 GOP primary:
- Independent candidates:
November 6 General election candidates:
- Dick Cohen: 33,008
- Sharon Anderson: 9,068
- Scott Larson: 5,196
District 65[edit]
- August 14 DFL primary:
- August 14 GOP primary:
November 6 General election candidates:
- Sandra Pappas: 27,365
- Rick Karschnia: 5,998
District 66[edit]
Note: Incumbent Democrat Mary Jo McGuire did not seek re-election.
- August 14 DFL primary:
- John Marty -aIncumbent Marty first assumed office in 1987.
- August 14 GOP primary:
November 6 General election candidates:
- John Marty: 27,735
- Wayde Brooks: 9,718
District 67[edit]
Note: Incumbent Democrat John Harrington did not seek re-election.
- August 14 DFL primary:
- August 14 GOP primary:
November 6 General election candidates:
- Foung Hawj: 21,630
- Mike Capistrant: 8,094
External links[edit]
See also[edit]
- ↑ Follow the Money, Minnesota
- ↑ Follow the Money: "Minnesota Senate 2010 Campaign Contributions"
- ↑ 2010 Guide for Candidates
- ↑ U.S. Census, "2010 Census: Minnesota Profile," accessed September 5, 2012
- ↑ Minneapolis Star-Tribune, "Minnesota's changing face," March 17, 2012
- ↑ Minnesota Public Radio, "House GOP releases redistricting plan," May 2, 2011
- ↑ Minnesota Public Radio, "Dayton vetoes redistricting bill," May 19, 2011
- ↑ MPRnews, "Redistricting fallout continues," accessed February 23, 2012
Leadership
Senate President:Jeremy Miller
Senators
Republican Party (34)
Democratic Party (31)
Independent (2)