In 2015, two seats were vacated and filled by special elections in the Minnesota State Legislature. The following districts had a vacancy in 2015:
In 2015, the reasons prompting state legislative special elections were as follows:
The partisan breakdown for vacancies were as follows:
Note: This table reflects information for elections that were held and not total vacant seats.
Partisan Change from Special Elections | |||
---|---|---|---|
Party | As of Vacancy | After Special Election | |
Democratic Party | 42 | 38* | |
Republican Party | 46 | 50* | |
Independent | 1 | 1 | |
Total | 89 | 89 |
*In 2015, Democrats lost nine seats in special elections, but gained six seats. Republicans lost five seats in special elections, but gained eight seats.
*Although Edwin Gomes won election to the Connecticut State Senate as a Working Families Party candidate, after swearing in he was listed as a Democratic senator.
*Although Diane Richardson won election to the New York State Assembly as a Working Families Party candidate, after swearing in she was listed as a Democratic representative.
*Although Jay Mathis won election to the Mississippi House of Representatives as a Nonpartisan candidate, after swearing in he was listed as a Republican representative.
Vacancies in the Minnesota State Legislature are filled through election. If there are more than 150 days before the next state general election, and the legislature will not be in session before the results are canvassed, then any vacancy is filled at the next state general election.[1][2]
If the vacancy happens during the legislative session, the governor has five days to issue a writ calling for a special election. The election must take place no more than 35 days after the issuance of the writ. If the legislature is out of session and there are fewer than 150 days before the next state general election, the governor must call for a special election so the winner of the election can take office when the legislature reconvenes.[2][3]
See sources: Minnesota Cons. Art. 4, § 4 and Minnesota Stat. § 204D.19
☑ Minnesota House of Representatives District 46A | |
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Peggy Flanagan was unopposed in the special election on November 3.[4] The seat was vacant following Ryan Winkler's (D) resignation on July 1.[5] A special election for the position of Minnesota House of Representatives District 46A was called for November 3. A primary election was scheduled for August 11, but since only one candidate filed for election, the primary election was canceled. The filing deadline for candidates wishing to run in this election was June 22.[6] November 3 Special election candidates: |
☑ Minnesota House of Representatives District 3A | |
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A special election for the position of Minnesota House of Representatives District 3A was called for December 8. A primary election was held on September 29. The filing deadline for candidates wishing to run in this election was August 31.[7] The seat was vacant following David Dill's (D) death from cancer on August 8.[8] Rob Ecklund defeated Heidi Omerza, Eric Johnson and Bill Hansen in the Democratic primary. Roger Skraba was unopposed in the Republican primary. Kelsey Johnson ran as an independent candidate.[9] Ecklund defeated Skraba and Johnson (I) in the special general election.[7][10][11]
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