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    United States Senate special election in Minnesota, 2018

    From Ballotpedia - Reading time: 42 min


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    U.S. Senate, Minnesota special
    Ballotpedia Election Coverage Badge.png
    Democratic primary
    Republican primary
    General election
    Election details
    Filing deadline: June 5, 2018
    Primary: August 14, 2018
    General: November 6, 2018
    Pre-election incumbent:
    Tina Smith
    How to vote
    Poll times: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
    Voting in Minnesota
    Race ratings
    Cook Political Report: Lean Democratic
    Sabato's Crystal Ball: Likely Democratic
    Inside Elections: Likely Democratic
    Ballotpedia analysis
    U.S. Senate battlegrounds
    U.S. House battlegrounds
    Federal and state primary competitiveness
    Ballotpedia's Election Analysis Hub, 2018
    See also
    U.S. Senate (regular) • U.S. Senate (special) • 1st • 2nd • 3rd • 4th • 5th • 6th • 7th • 8th
    Minnesota elections, 2018
    U.S. Congress elections, 2018
    U.S. Senate elections, 2018
    U.S. House elections, 2018
    This page contains information on the 2018 special election. For information on the election for the seat held by U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D), see this article.


    Incumbent Sen. Tina Smith (D) defeated state Sen. Karin Housley (R) and three others in the special election for Minnesota's Class 2 Senate seat on November 6, 2018. Smith served out the rest of Al Franken's (D) term, ending in January 2021.

    Thirty-five of the 100 seats in the United States Senate were up for election in 2018, including two seats up for special election. Republicans gained four previously Democratic-held seats and Democrats gained two previously Republican-held seats, resulting in a net gain of two seats for the Republican Party and a 53-seat majority in the chamber. This race was identified as a 2018 battleground that might have affected partisan control of the chamber in the 116th Congress. At the time of the election, Republicans held a 51-seat Senate majority. Democrats held 47 seats, and the two independents caucused with them. Democrats faced greater partisan risk in 2018, as they were defending 26 seats while Republicans were only defending nine. Democrats had to defend seats in 10 states Donald Trump (R) won. The GOP defended one Senate seat in a state Hillary Clinton (D) won.

    Franken resigned his seat in the United States Senate in January 2018 after multiple women accused him of groping or forcibly kissing them. After Franken resigned, Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton (D) appointed Smith, then Minnesota's lieutenant governor, to temporarily fill the vacancy. The special election occurred alongside a regularly-scheduled Minnesota Senate election between incumbent Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D) and Jim Newberger (R).

    Heading into the election, Minnesota had not elected a Republican to the U.S. Senate since the 2002 election of Norm Coleman (R). Moreover, no Republican had won Minnesota in a presidential election since Richard Nixon (R) in 1972, although Donald Trump lost to Hillary Clinton by 1.5 percentage points in 2016.[1]

    Third party and independent candidates included independent real estate developer Jerry Trooien, Sarah Wellington (Legal Marijuana Now Party), and write-in candidate Steve Carlson.

    Democratic Party For more information about the Democratic primary, click here.
    Republican Party For more information about the Republican primary, click here.



    Candidates and election results[edit]

    General election
    Special general election for U.S. Senate Minnesota

    Incumbent Tina Smith defeated Karin Housley, Sarah Wellington, and Jerry Trooien in the special general election for U.S. Senate Minnesota on November 6, 2018.

    Candidate
    %
    Votes
    ✔

    Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/Tina_Smith-1.jpg

    		Tina Smith (D)
     
    53.0
     
    		1,370,540

    Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/Karin_Housley-1.jpg

    		Karin Housley (R)
     
    42.4
     
    		1,095,777

    Silhouette Placeholder Image.png

    		Sarah Wellington (Legal Marijuana Now Party)
     
    3.7
     
    		95,614

    Silhouette Placeholder Image.png

    		Jerry Trooien (Unaffiliated) Candidate Connection
     
    0.9
     
    		24,324
      Other/Write-in votes
     
    0.0
     
    		 1,101

    Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source

    		Total votes: 2,587,356
    (100.00% precincts reporting)
    Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.

    Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.
    Democratic primary election
    Special Democratic primary for U.S. Senate Minnesota

    The following candidates ran in the special Democratic primary for U.S. Senate Minnesota on August 14, 2018.

    Candidate
    %
    Votes
    ✔

    Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/Tina_Smith-1.jpg

    		Tina Smith
     
    76.1
     
    		433,705

    Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/Richard_Painter.jpg

    		Richard Painter
     
    13.7
     
    		78,193

    Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/Ali_C._Ali_.png

    		Ali Chehem Ali Candidate Connection
     
    3.3
     
    		18,897

    Silhouette Placeholder Image.png

    		Gregg Iverson
     
    3.1
     
    		17,825

    Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/IMG_1972.jpg

    		Nick Leonard
     
    2.9
     
    		16,529

    Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/Christopher_Seymore_MN.jpg

    		Christopher Seymore
     
    0.9
     
    		5,041

    Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source

    		Total votes: 570,190
    Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.

    Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.
    Republican primary election
    Special Republican primary for U.S. Senate Minnesota

    Karin Housley defeated Bob Anderson and Nikolay Nikolayevich Bey in the special Republican primary for U.S. Senate Minnesota on August 14, 2018.

    Candidate
    %
    Votes
    ✔

    Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/Karin_Housley-1.jpg

    		Karin Housley
     
    62.0
     
    		186,384

    Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/HeadshotEdits-min.png

    		Bob Anderson
     
    35.6
     
    		107,102

    Silhouette Placeholder Image.png

    		Nikolay Nikolayevich Bey
     
    2.5
     
    		7,375

    There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source

    		Total votes: 300,861

    Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.


    Candidate profiles[edit]

    See also: Editorial approach to writing about key campaign messages


    Karin Housley, Minnesota State Senator
    KarinHousley.jpg

    Campaign website Facebook Twitter

    Party: Republican

    Incumbent: No

    Political office: Minnesota State Senate District 39 (Assumed office: 2013)

    Biography: Karin Housley earned a B.A. in Communication from the State University of New York at Buffalo in 1988. Housley's experience includes working as a television news producer, starting an investment club for women, and authoring a book on her investment experience that was published in 2001.[2] In 2007 Housley began hosting The Karin Housley Show on AM 1220 KLBB in the Twin Cities area. In 2012 Housley was elected to represent the thirty-ninth state senate district in the Minnesota State Legislature.[3]

    Key messages
    • Housley said increased choice can help address increased healthcare costs that she said people that she many Minnesotans have seen under Obamacare. "Expanded choice goes hand-in-hand with practicality... The current system we have today makes it almost impossible for consumers to see the price of the basic health care services they are receiving."[4]
    • Housley called the right of law-abiding people to bear arms "a fundamental guarantee of the Constitution. To address gun violence, she advocated for enforcing existing gun laws, better addressing mental illness, and preventing violent criminals from having easy access to firearms.[5]
    • Housley criticized Smith as being supportive of Rep. Keith Ellison (D) following allegations of abuse made against him, which he denied. Housley says that Smith's response to the allegations made against Ellison was politically motivated and hypocritical.[6]



    Tina Smith, U.S. Senator
    Tina Smith-1.jpg

    Campaign website Facebook Twitter

    Party: Democratic

    Incumbent: Yes

    Political office: U.S. Senate Minnesota (Assumed office: 2018); Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota (2015-2018)

    Biography: In 1980 Smith earned a B.S. in political science from Stanford University, and in 1984 she earned an MBA from Dartmouth College. Smith moved to Minnesota in 1984 to work in marketing. From 2003 to 2006 Smith acted as Vice President of External Affairs for Planned Parenthood in Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota.[7] From 2006 to 2010 Smith served as chief of staff for Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak. She served as the chief of staff for Gov. Mark Dayton from 2011 to 2015. She was elected lieutenant governor of Minnesota on a joint ticket with Dayton in 2014. She was appointed by Dayton to the U.S. Senate following Sen. Al Franken's resignation.[8][9][10][11]

    Key messages
    • Smith focused on economic policy. She says she worked to raise Minnesota's minimum wage, and supported legislation to "close the gender pay gap, expand family medical leave, and strengthen workplace protections for women in Minnesota." She also cited work as chair of the Destination Medical Center Corporation (DMCC) Board of Directors to lead "a public-private partnership with the Mayo Clinic, to bring in billions of dollars in private investment and high paying jobs to Southern Minnesota."[12][13]
    • Smith touted her record on healthcare. She said the first piece of legislation she introduced as a Senator would "fix a loophole allowing drug companies to keep lower cost generic drugs off the market." Smith also cited her introduction of a "bill requiring pharmaceutical companies to disclose how they spent their tax breaks from the Republican tax bill." [13]
    • Smith said she has worked to improve public education. She cited her introduction of the 21st Century Workforce Act, "which invests in key partnerships between education, local business, and higher education," and her introduction "of the Improving Access to Mental Health Act with Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) to help bring mental health services into schools."[13]


    Polls[edit]

    See also: Ballotpedia's approach to covering polls
    U.S. Senate special election in Minnesota, 2018: Smith vs. Housley
    Poll Democratic Party Smith Republican Party HousleyUndecided/OtherMargin of errorSample size
    SurveyUSA
    October 29-31, 2018    		 48%40%12%+/-5.3600
    Star Tribune/MPR News Minnesota
    October 15-17, 2018    		 47%41%12%+/-3.5800
    NBC News/Marist
    September 30-October 4, 2018    		 54%38%8%+/-4.9637
    Star-Tribune/Mason Dixon
    September 10-12, 2018    		 44%37%19%+/-3.5800
    KSTP/SurveyUSA
    September 6-8, 2018    		 47%39%13%+/-4.9574
    Suffolk University
    August 17-20, 2018    		 44%37%19%+/-4.4500
    Emerson College
    August 8-11, 2018    		 32%28%16%+/-4.6500
    NBC News/Marist Poll
    July 15-19, 2018    		 49%35%16%+/-3.7500
    AVERAGES 45.63% 36.88% 14.38% +/-4.35 613.88
    Note: The polls above may not reflect all polls that have been conducted in this race. Those displayed are a random sampling chosen by Ballotpedia staff. If you would like to nominate another poll for inclusion in the table, send an email to editor@ballotpedia.org.

    PredictIt Prices[edit]

    This section provides the PredictIt market prices for this race during the three months leading up to the election. PredictIt is a site where people make and trade predictions on political and financial events. Market prices reflect the probability, based on PredictIt users' predictions, that a candidate will win a race. For example, a market price of $0.60 for Candidate A is equivalent to a 60 percent probability that Candidate A will win.

    Campaign finance[edit]

    The chart below contains data from financial reports submitted to the Federal Election Commission.

    Name Party Receipts* Disbursements** Cash on hand Date
    Tina Smith Democratic Party $9,221,474 $8,787,691 $433,783 As of December 31, 2018
    Karin Housley Republican Party $4,697,809 $4,682,067 $15,741 As of December 31, 2018
    Jerry Trooien Unaffiliated $1,698,879 $1,698,195 $684 As of December 31, 2018
    Sarah Wellington Legal Marijuana Now Party $0 $0 $0 Data not available

    Source: Federal Elections Commission, "Campaign finance data," .

    * According to the FEC, "Receipts are anything of value (money, goods, services or property) received by a political committee."
    ** According to the FEC, a disbursement "is a purchase, payment, distribution, loan, advance, deposit or gift of money or anything of value to influence a federal election," plus other kinds of payments not made to influence a federal election.


    Satellite spending[edit]

    Satellite spending, commonly referred to as outside spending, describes political spending not controlled by candidates or their campaigns; that is, any political expenditures made by groups or individuals that are not directly affiliated with a candidate. This includes spending by political party committees, super PACs, trade associations, and 501(c)(4) nonprofit groups.[14][15][16]

    This section lists satellite spending in this race reported by news outlets in alphabetical order. If you are aware of spending that should be included, please email us.

    • Planned Parenthood Action Fund spent roughly $300,000 in support of Smith in September 2018. Smith held an executive position with Planned Parenthood in Minnesota and North and South Dakota from 2003 to 2006.[20]


    Race ratings[edit]

    See also: Race rating definitions and methods

    Ballotpedia provides race ratings from three outlets: The Cook Political Report, Inside Elections, and Sabato's Crystal Ball. Each race rating indicates if one party is perceived to have an advantage in the race and, if so, the degree of advantage:

    • Safe and Solid ratings indicate that one party has a clear edge and the race is not competitive.
    • Likely ratings indicate that one party has a clear edge, but an upset is possible.
    • Lean ratings indicate that one party has a small edge, but the race is competitive.[21]
    • Tossup ratings indicate that neither party has an advantage.

    Race ratings are informed by a number of factors, including polling, candidate quality, and election result history in the race's district or state.[22][23][24]

    Race ratings: United States Senate special election in Minnesota, 2018
    Race trackerRace ratings
    October 30, 2018October 23, 2018October 16, 2018October 9, 2018
    The Cook Political ReportLean DemocraticLean DemocraticLean DemocraticLean Democratic
    Inside Elections with Nathan L. GonzalesLikely DemocraticLikely DemocraticLikely DemocraticLikely Democratic
    Larry J. Sabato's Crystal BallLikely DemocraticLikely DemocraticLikely DemocraticLikely Democratic
    Note: Ballotpedia updates external race ratings every two weeks throughout the election season.

    Noteworthy endorsements[edit]

    This section lists noteworthy endorsements issued in this election, including those made by high-profile individuals and organizations, cross-party endorsements, and endorsements made by newspaper editorial boards. It also includes links to endorsement lists published on campaign websites, if available. Please note that this list is not exhaustive. If you are aware of endorsements that should be included, please email us.

    Click the links below for to see endorsement lists published on candidate campaign websites.

    Noteworthy endorsements[edit]

    This section lists noteworthy endorsements issued in this election, including those made by high-profile individuals and organizations, cross-party endorsements, and endorsements made by newspaper editorial boards. It also includes links to endorsement lists published on campaign websites, if available. Please note that this list is not exhaustive. If you are aware of endorsements that should be included, please email us.


    Candidate endorsements
    Endorsement Date Housley Smith
    Individuals
    Former President Barack Obama (D)[25] October 1, 2018 ✔
    President Donald Trump (R)[26] October 4, 2018 ✔

    Policy stances[edit]

    Mining and natural resources[edit]

    Housley and Smith answered questions regarding the economy, mining and natural resources in Minnesota in interviews published by Duluth News Tribune on October 27, 2018. Their responses are reproduced below:

    Having endured decades of ups and downs, how can the economy of the Iron Range be stabilized?

    SMITH: I'm working to help build a strong, stable, and diverse economy in the region that ensures economic opportunity for the hard-working, resilient and innovative people of the Iron Range. To do that, I've been working hard to expand access to broadband, expand the job training needed for the modern economy, and make investments in scientific research to make sure U.S. mining remains the most efficient in the world. I've also been fighting to improve rural health care to ensure people who choose to build their lives in rural areas have access to the care they need.

    HOUSLEY: Much like the rest of the state, the economy of the Iron Range is changing. We need to do what we can to ensure copper-nickel mining brings good-paying jobs to the region — and that its tax dollars bring much-needed revenue to the region's communities. However, we also need to be mindful of working to diversify the region's economy, exploring opportunities for new industries and economic growth.

    How have President Donald Trump's tariffs impacted the region, and what do you hope to see in U.S. trade policy going forward?

    HOUSLEY: President Trump's tariffs have had an impact on the entire state, but nowhere has there been a more positive impact than northern Minnesota. President Trump kept his campaign promise to stick hefty tariffs on imported steel and it has brought a much-needed boost to our economy, the taconite mines and American steel in general. In turn, people spend more money in our communities and those communities are better able to thrive — and that's what we want to see happen here in Minnesota. The president has recognized that trade in our country has been unfair for too long — and he has taken the appropriate steps toward leveling the playing field. I'm hopeful the president will continue to advocate for a fair and free trade policy that ultimately benefits all of us.

    SMITH: For too long, workers have faced layoffs because of bad trade deals and unfair foreign trade practices. We need to crack down on countries that violate international trade rules, particularly China. I pressed the president to take action against foreign steel imports that threatened our national security, and shortly afterwards, he took action. I've also pressed the president to open new markets to buy Minnesota agricultural goods and I'm glad he has recently taken a handful of key steps to do so.

    In the long-term, though, we can't rely on tariffs alone to level the global playing field and ensure we have a strong U.S. iron and steel industry. The Trump administration must engage meaningfully with China to make progress in ending their illegal steel subsidies, and I'm concerned that right now, the Trump administration doesn't have a long-term strategy.

    Do you believe copper-nickel mining can be achieved at the proposed PolyMet and Twin Metals sites without damaging the region's waters?

    SMITH: I believe we can create jobs and opportunity and also protect our environment. Each project should be considered on its own, and must undergo a rigorous environmental review process, based on science and the facts, and include many opportunities for public comment. The same should hold true for copper-nickel mining projects. According to the law, the state of Minnesota has primary responsibility for this environmental review process. PolyMet's NorthMet mine proposal is currently undergoing that review. If it successfully completes this process, including guarantees of financial assurance to protect water quality in perpetuity, then it will go forward.

    The Twin Metals project, which would be in the Boundary Waters watershed, has not yet submitted a mine proposal. Demonstrating that a copper-nickel mine can coexist with the BWCA is, and should be, a very high bar to clear.

    HOUSLEY: Mining is one of Minnesota's most important industries — and when it comes to copper-nickel mining, I believe we can both protect our environment and mine responsibly, maintaining our clean water while opening the door to a major economic boost. Despite the rhetoric you hear from opponents of copper-nickel mining, there is a way to ensure it is environmentally responsible. With a strong and workable regulatory process in place, Minnesota has some of the strictest environmental standards in the world — which mining companies are required to meet or exceed during the environmental review and permitting process. Plus, today's mining process is responsible, precise and thoughtful, utilizing modern technology and scientific knowledge to better predict, plan for, and prevent or control adverse environmental impacts.

    In a region known for pristine lakes and forests, including the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, are additional environmental policies needed to protect our natural resources?

    HOUSLEY: There are already regulations in place to ensure the protection of our lakes, forests and other natural resources that make Minnesota's environment so incredibly pristine. In fact, state and federal regulations are designed to ensure we can appropriately manage our natural resources. Mining has developed in significant ways over the past several decades, and we need to trust state and federal officials to work with developing companies to put the proper safeguards in place to ensure we're caring for our natural resources in the best possible way.

    SMITH: Like many Minnesotans, I have a personal connection to Minnesota's lakes and forests, including the Boundary Waters, where my kids have spent many summers. I think all Minnesotans can agree on the need to protect environmentally sensitive areas, and that our policies should be based on sound science and the facts. For example, in the Senate, I have been working to push legislation through that would permanently fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund, which invests millions in conservation efforts for Minnesota's lands and waters. I am also a strong supporter of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI), and I worked across the aisle with Republicans and Democrats to increase funding for the GLRI. We need to continue looking for ways to preserve and protect the natural resources that are so vital to our state.

    The debate over economic development and environmental protection has sharply divided the region, state and country. Do you believe it's possible to reach any consensus on these issues?

    SMITH: I hope we can find common ground around the goal that northeastern Minnesota should have opportunities for a strong economy, where people have opportunities to make a good living, and where their kids will want to stay to raise their own families, and also protect the water and natural resources that make Minnesota so unique. People have sometimes starkly different views on how to get there, but the goal remains the same. In working towards consensus, we should be guided by science and economics, and by listening to each other. We are Minnesotans. I know that we have what it takes to protect our environment and grow an economy that works for all of us, and especially Minnesotans who live in the north country.

    HOUSLEY: Despite the divisions, I believe there is a way to work together and reach a consensus on the economic importance of mining and protecting our pristine environment. We all have an interest in protecting Minnesota's unparalleled natural beauty — but we need to recognize that we can both encourage economic growth in our communities and be good stewards of the environment. We can only accomplish this by working together and listening to one another.

    Campaign ads[edit]

    Republican Party Karin Housley[edit]

    Support[edit]

    "Values" Housley campaign ad released September 18, 2018
    "Play Fair" Housley campaign ad released September 6, 2018

    Oppose[edit]

    "For Them" Smith campaign ad released October 25, 2018


    Democratic Party Tina Smith[edit]

    Support[edit]

    "HeadStart" Smith campaign ad released October 19, 2018
    "I Hear You" Smith campaign ad released October 10, 2018
    "One Way" Smith campaign ad released September 25, 2018
    "Our Future" Smith campaign ad released September 11, 2018


    Noteworthy events[edit]

    Brett Kavanaugh confirmation vote[edit]

    See also: Supreme Court vacancy, 2018: An overview

    On October 6, 2018, the U.S. Senate voted to confirm the nomination of Judge Brett Kavanaugh to the U.S. Supreme Court. Fifty Senators voted to confirm Kavanaugh's nomination, 48 voted against, and Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) voted present. A simple majority was required to confirm Kavanaugh.[27]

    Smith voted against Kavanaugh's confirmation on October 6, 2018. Smith posted a statement on social media after the vote, saying, “Special interests and dark money groups won today. The GOP got their hand-picked right-wing extremist Brett Kavanaugh appointed to the Supreme Court."[28]

    Housley said she would have voted to confirm Kavanaugh. Housley released a statement after the vote, saying, "The United States is better off because Justice Brett Kavanaugh sits on the Supreme Court. Justice Kavanaugh is an extremely capable jurist who has spent his career dutifully upholding the constitution and the rule of law. I am confident he will continue that legacy on our nation’s highest court."[29]

    Campaign themes[edit]

    Republican Party Karin Housley[edit]

    The themes below were taken from the candidate's website.

    “

    Social Security

    Minnesotans work hard – and when they retire, they deserve the money they’ve paid into Social Security. That’s why we must work together on protecting Social Security, preserving its solvency for future generations. Social Security should not be privatized; instead, we need a bipartisan solution that protects benefits without increasing taxes or raising the age of retirement.


    Healthcare

    Obamacare has failed hardworking Minnesotans. A government takeover of health care has driven up costs, hurt small businesses, and reduced the quality of care. I believe in a patient-centered, market-driven health care system that provides individuals and families with affordable, accessible coverage and care.


    Economy

    A strong economy is the foundation for a strong Minnesota – but a growing national debt and increasingly wasteful spending threatens the prosperity of future generations. By balancing the budget, cutting taxes, rolling back burdensome regulation, and encouraging innovation, we can continue to grow an economy that provides an opportunity for all Minnesotans to thrive.


    Values

    Life is a gift, and it should be protected. As a mother and grandmother, I believe every effort should be made to protect and honor life.


    Second Amendment

    The rights of law-abiding citizens to keep and bear arms is a fundamental guarantee of our Constitution. I believe we can protect the rights and freedoms of law-abiding gun owners while also addressing the growing issue of gun violence, but only if we work together. We must enforce existing gun laws, better address mental illness, and prevent violent criminals and known terrorists from gaining instant access to firearms.


    Taxes

    It’s your money, not the government’s – and as a small business owner, I understand the crushing impact high taxes have on job creation. I believe a healthy economy begins when hardworking Minnesotans keep more of their earnings and businesses are free to spur economic growth.


    Trade

    I believe in free and fair trade, unhindered by practices that unfairly disadvantage one side of a trade relationship. In a global economy, American workers are positioned to succeed as long as we are playing by the same set of rules. To grow our economy, we should encourage free trade – but not at the expense of our national security or shipping jobs overseas.


    Military

    A strong military is essential to keeping America free, safe, and prosperous. Maintaining a strong global military presence is vital to American interests, our allies, and peace around the world. In Washington, I will be a steadfast supporter for the brave men and women of our military. We need to ensure that we maintain a trained and ready force, support current operations, prepare for future missions, and ensure that military families receive the care they deserve.


    Immigration

    America was founded by immigrants and immigrants continue to enrich our nation. But in order to continue this legacy, we must modernize and fix our broken immigration system. Securing our borders is the first step toward a workable immigration plan that attracts the best and brightest students and workers, ultimately improving our economy and preserving our global competitiveness. I support immigration policy that maximizes public safety, strengthens families, and expands economic opportunity.


    Agriculture

    Minnesota’s agricultural industry is the backbone of our economy, supporting over 430,000 jobs and responsible for $121 billion in economic activity each year. From the farmers harvesting the fields to the families gathered around their tables, a sound agricultural policy benefits all Americans.[30][31]

    		”

    Democratic PartyTina Smith[edit]

    The themes below were taken from the candidate's website.

    “ Tina is a fierce advocate for a Minnesota that works for everyone – not just the lucky few. And she knows that when we work together and put Minnesota values first, nothing can stop us from turning that vision into reality.

    The Minnesota Way Forward

    It’s true: we are living through one of the most challenging times in the history of our country. Many of those in Washington seem to think their job is to take care of the wealthy and powerful – at the expense of working and middle-class families.

    But Tina believes that things can – and will – change for the better. Her belief is grounded in what she knows to be true about fellow Minnesotans: we get together to solve problems, to lift each other up, to find and stand on common ground. We’re creative, we’re practical, and we don’t just complain about what’s holding us back – we come up with solutions.

    Tina knows they’re no match for the people of this state when we come together, stand shoulder to shoulder, and each do our part to create the reality Paul Wellstone described where "we all do better when we all do better."

    A Strong and Diverse Economy

    Tina is a fierce advocate for economic opportunity and a diverse economy that works for everyone so that businesses grow and workers get better jobs and better pay. To build a diverse economy, Tina believes we need to invest in manufacturing and technology, help small businesses grow and create jobs, and expand our agriculture economy.

    Tina championed raising the minimum wage in Minnesota. She supports expanding paid family and medical leave so that parents can stay home to take care of their children and family members without the worry of losing a paycheck. Tina introduced a bill in the Senate to develop more local partnerships to promote career and skill training opportunities

    Workforce for Today’s Economy

    Tina recognizes that not every young person in Minnesota will go to a four-year college, or that they want to. That is why she travels the state bringing together high schools, two-year community and technical colleges and local businesses to promote career and skill training opportunities. In fact, she recently introduced a bill in the Senate to help develop more of these partnerships. Tina is committed to finding solutions to help ensure Minnesotans have the skills to fill high-demand jobs and help close the skills gap.

    Affordable High-Quality Health Care

    Every Minnesota family deserves access to high-quality health care that they can afford. When Tina talks to Minnesotans, the number one issue she hears about is the rising cost of healthcare – including the cost of prescription drugs. That is why Tina supports universal health care, is working to hold Big Pharma responsible, and fighting for solutions to save Minnesotans money.

    Lowering the Cost of Prescription Drugs

    The first bill Tina introduced would help to lower the cost of prescription drugs by addressing a corporate loophole that giant drug companies use to game the system and keep affordable generic drugs off the market. This unfair practice makes it harder for seniors, families, and all Minnesotans with medical needs to afford life-saving drugs.

    Tina is not only pushing legislation, she also wrote letters to Big Pharma CEOs asking them what they did with the money they got from the GOP tax bill and whether the money was used to lower prescription drug prices for consumers.

    Addressing the Opioid Epidemic

    Too many Minnesotans are losing their lives to the opioid epidemic. That is why Tina is working with community leaders, health care professionals, and lawmakers to find a bipartisan solution for the opioid crisis.

    • In the Senate, she is supporting a bill that would require prescription drug companies to pay a “penny-a-pill” and help fund treatment options to end this devastating epidemic that is plaguing our communities.
    • As Lt. Governor, Tina also advocated for better prevention and treatment options.

    Expanding Mental Health Services in our Schools

    Tina wrote legislation with Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski from Alaska to help expand mental health services in school and local communities to ensure our children, wherever they live, have access to the resources they need.

    Quality Education for All Minnesotans

    Every student deserves a strong public education system from early childhood to adulthood that prepares them for the workforce.

    All-Day Kindergarten

    As Lt. Governor, Tina fought an uphill battle to establish all-day kindergarten for all Minnesota children. Supporting our littlest learners improves access to education and helps close the achievement gap while saving parents from costly childcare expenses.

    College Affordability

    The student debt crisis is out of control. As tuition continues to skyrocket, Tina hears from too many Minnesotans facing financial uncertainty from looming student loans. That’s why Tina is working with Senator Elizabeth Warren to help reduce the burden of student debt by allowing people to refinance their student loans at lower rates. On top of tuition, textbooks add to the amount students need to spend. To address this, Tina helped secure $5 million to be used for a pilot that helps allows students to cut down on the expense of costly textbooks.

    Action on Gun Violence

    Tina is working to pass common-sense reforms to help end needless gun violence. That is why Tina is standing up to the NRA and working to ensure all people can feel safe at their schools, in their communities, and at their places of worship. Tina has never and will never take money from the NRA.

    Common-sense Reforms

    Now is the time to pass much-needed gun reforms. Tina is the cosponsor of bills to expand background checks and to ban the sale of bump stocks, assault weapons, and high-capacity magazines. She is also working with Senator Amy Klobuchar to ban people convicted of stalking from having firearms.

    Support Minnesota Traditions

    Tina understands and respects Minnesota's long-standing hunting traditions. As a hunter and angler, Tina will work with Minnesotans to urge Congress to make our communities safer.

    Supporting Minnesota’s Farmers and Rural Communities

    A growing agricultural economy and vibrant rural communities are the heart of Minnesota. As a member of the Agriculture Committee, Tina is working to pass a Farm Bill that invests in Minnesota farmers and rural communities, and expands essential broadband infrastructure across the state.

    Working with Minnesota Farmers

    Tina fought for a spot on the Agriculture Committee because agriculture touches every community in Minnesota. That's why Tina travels across the state to meet with farmers in their community and listen to what matters to them. Tina is working to pass a Farm Bill that prioritizes Minnesota farmers by investing in farm-to-table programs that bring locally grown food to Minnesota schools and restaurants; including strong safety net programs for those dealing with low commodity prices, and keeping nutrition assistance programs in the bill.

    Tina has also cosponsored bipartisan legislation to expand Minnesota's farm exports by helping farmers, rural cooperatives, and small businesses sell more commodities abroad.

    Expand Rural Broadband

    Access to reliable and affordable broadband is critical for rural and tribal communities. That is why Tina has introduced a bill to increase available funding for broadband projects in tribal communities and in remote and low-income areas. Tina’s bill would expand broadband to areas that are not currently served, allowing Minnesotans the opportunity to connect, compete, and create the lives they want.

    Affordable Housing Across Minnesota

    In many places in rural Minnesota, there is a devastating lack of affordable housing. Tina has introduced legislation to help Minnesotans afford to stay in their homes by maintaining rental assistance through the Rural Housing Service at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. It's important we do everything we can to help families and seniors stay in their homes and their communities.

    Women’s Economic Health and Security

    Women deserve economic opportunity and fairness as well as reproductive freedom. As Lt. Governor, Tina helped develop and pass landmark bipartisan legislation which works to close the gender pay gap by helping to ensure equal pay for equal work, increases workplace protections, and expands medical family leave. Tina is leading on this issue in the Senate as well.

    Equal Pay

    While we have made progress as a nation toward closing the long-standing gender pay gap, women, especially women of color, earn far less than then men on average. That is why Tina is co-sponsoring The Paycheck Fairness Act to addresses this by helping to ensure all women can succeed.

    Pro-Choice

    Tina is a strong advocate for women’s health. As a former Planned Parenthood executive, she deeply respects the right of women to make the best healthcare decisions for themselves and their families – and is committed to protecting this right.

    Supporting our Veterans

    Tina is strongly committed to making sure we support our veterans and their families.

    Hire Veterans

    Veterans make a selfless commitment to our country, and they deserve the utmost respect when they return home. That is why Tina is working with Minnesota businesses so that they hire veterans – making sure that when vets return home, they get the support they need and opportunities they deserve.

    Quality and Timely Health Care for Veterans

    Veterans should have access to quality, timely health care. That is why Tina is committed to pushing the Department of Veterans Affairs to end the backlog of cases so that veterans don't have to wait months to get treatment – which can put the lives of patients at risk.

    Standing up for our LGBTQ Family

    We need to defend the progress that’s been made for LGBTQ equality and fight the injustices that still exist for too many LGBTQ Americans. That is why Tina pushed to pass marriage equality making Minnesota the 12th state to legalize same-sex marriage, that’s why she pushed for legislation to prevent bullying in Minnesota schools, and why she is supporting a bill to make it illegal to fire someone for being LGBTQ.

    Tribal Communities

    Tina is working closely with Minnesota’s eleven tribal communities to make sure they have the resources and support to address critical issues like the lack of housing, workforce needs, the opioid crisis, and holding non-native people responsible for crimes committed on tribal land.

    Tina introduced the Community Connect Grant Program to help increase available funding for broadband projects in tribal communities. Expanding broadband to areas that are not currently served is essential to making sure Minnesotans can connect, compete, and create the lives they want.

    She also introduced a bill to help tribal communities in Minnesota address the opioid crisis by making sure they have the resources to tackle this issue in a way that works for tribal communities; and has called on the U.S. Department of Agriculture to host an opioid roundtable in Minnesota to hear from farmers, tribal communities and families dealing with this epidemic.

    Protecting our Environment

    It is the Minnesota way of life to enjoy all four seasons in the magnificent parks and trails across the state. As a member of the Senate Energy Committee, Tina has made it a priority to protect our land, water, and air, while working with innovative, clean energy businesses to grow jobs. That is why she supports the Paris Agreement to fight climate change, and why she is a champion for growing Minnesota’s strong clean energy economy.

    Protection for Dreamers and Immigrants

    We need to stand up with immigrant communities and protect those facing unfair deportation.

    • Tina supports a pathway to citizenship for DREAMERS and opposes the President's actions to end DACA
    • She pushed to prevent the President’s unfair and unnecessary deportation agenda impacting Minnesota’s Liberian community
    • Tina introduced the HELP Separated Children Act to help force ICE to defend families, not separate them

    Taking on Special Interests and Campaign Finance Reform

    It’s time to end the system of unlimited dark money that is corrupting our elections. In 2010, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of unlimited, unaccountable political campaign spending making it easy for billionaires and special interest groups to secretly spend billions to sway elections. That’s why Tina supports a Constitutional Amendment that would reverse the Citizens United decision and end the ridiculous influence of corporate money in politics.

    Strengthening Unions and Fighting Unfair Trade Deals

    Unions play a critical role in Minnesota’s economy – they provide workers with livable wages, a safe work environment and quality benefits for their families. That’s why Tina supports working together at the state and federal level to strengthen the rights for people to organize, collectively improve working conditions, and protect their pensions.

    Protect Hard-Earned Pensions

    Tina was appointed to the newly created bipartisan committee on pensions to address the crisis that is putting the pensions of more than 22,000 retired Minnesotans at risk. Tina is concerned that allowing pension plans to fail will create a ripple effect that would devastate Minnesota families, businesses, and communities. Minnesotans who have worked and paid into their retirement plan their whole lives should not have to worry about how they take care of themselves when they retire. That is why Tina will fight to protect the pensions of hard-working Minnesotans.

    End Harmful Trade Policies

    Minnesota's Iron Range is an essential part of our economy, and illegal steel dumping puts too many jobs in Minnesota's Northland at risk. Tina's first trip as Senator was to Eveleth, Minnesota – the heart of the Iron Range – to listen to the issues steelworkers are currently facing. She pressed President Trump to take action to combat foreign steel imports that were threatening our national security, and she supports efforts to end steel dumping and hold foreign governments who don't play by the rules accountable.

    As the trade discussion in Washington continues, Tina has pushed the President to support trade policies that help Minnesota communities and businesses.[30][31]

    		”

    Social media[edit]

    Twitter accounts[edit]

    Facebook accounts[edit]

    Click the icons below to visit the candidates' Facebook pages.

    Republican Party Karin Housley Facebook

    Democratic Party Tina Smith Facebook

    Appointment[edit]

    On December 13, 2017, Gov. Mark Dayton (D) announced that he would appoint Lieutenant Gov. Tina Smith (D) to Franken's position upon his resignation. At the news conference announcing her appointment, Smith said she would run in the special election to fill Franken's term.[32]

    Before Dayton's announcement that Smith would be his appointee, the following potential appointees were discussed by media outlets in addition to Smith.

    Special election date[edit]

    The special election was held on November 6, 2018.

    Minnesota law lays out the procedures for filling vacancies in the United States Senate. Here is a breakdown of the process that will be used to fill Franken's seat:[34]

    1. After the vacancy occurred, Gov. Mark Dayton (D) appointed Lieutenant Gov. Tina Smith (D) to fill the seat until the next regularly scheduled general election on November 6, 2018.*
    2. Smith served until the November 2018 election, at which point she, along with other qualified candidates, has the opportunity to seek election to the seat. A special primary election to select partisan candidates for the November 6 election was held on August 14, 2018.
    3. The winner of the November 2018 election served until Franken's original term expires. Franken was last elected in 2014, so his term ended on January 3, 2021. This means an election to fill the next term was held on November 3, 2020.


    *If Franken had resigned less than 11 weeks before a regularly scheduled primary election, then Smith would not have faced an election until the following year. The next regularly scheduled primary in Minnesota was August 14, 2018, with May 29, 2018, being the date that was 11 weeks before it. If Franken had not resigned until after May 29, 2018, then Smith would have competed in a special election on November 5, 2019, rather than November 6, 2018.

    Special elections to the 115th U.S. Congress[edit]

    See also: Special elections to the 115th United States Congress (2017-2018)

    In the 17 special elections called to fill vacancies in the 115th Congress in 2017 and 2018, nine Republicans and eight Democrats won. Four elections resulted in a partisan flip:


    Results of special elections to the 115th Congress
    Race Election date Incumbent Winner Election MOV Previous election MOV 2016 Presidential election MOV[35]
    Kansas' 4th Congressional District April 11, 2017 Republican Party Mike Pompeo Republican Party Ron Estes R+6 R+31 R+27
    Montana's At-Large Congressional District May 25, 2017 Republican Party Ryan Zinke Republican Party Greg Gianforte R+6 R+15 R+21
    California's 34th Congressional District June 6, 2017 Democratic Party Xavier Becerra Democratic Party Jimmy Gomez D+18[36] D+54[36] D+73
    Georgia's 6th Congressional District June 20, 2017 Republican Party Tom Price Republican Party Karen Handel R+4 R+24 R+1
    South Carolina's 5th Congressional District June 20, 2017 Republican Party Mick Mulvaney Republican Party Ralph Norman R+3 R+20 R+18
    Utah's 3rd Congressional District November 7, 2017 Republican Party Jason Chaffetz Republican Party John Curtis R+32 R+47 R+24
    U.S. Senate in Alabama December 12, 2017 Republican Party Jeff Sessions Democratic Party Doug Jones D+2 R+28 R+28
    Pennsylvania's 18th Congressional District March 13, 2018 Republican Party Tim Murphy Democratic Party Conor Lamb D+0[37] R+100 R+19
    Arizona's 8th Congressional District April 24, 2018 Republican Party Trent Franks Republican Party Debbie Lesko R+6 R+38 R+21
    Texas' 27th Congressional District June 30, 2018 Republican Party Blake Farenthold Republican Party Michael Cloud R+23 R+24 R+23
    Ohio's 12th Congressional District August 7, 2018 Republican Party Patrick Tiberi Republican Party Troy Balderson R+1 R+40 R+11
    Michigan's 13th Congressional District November 6, 2018 Democratic Party John Conyers Jr. Democratic Party Brenda Jones D+78 D+61 D+61
    U.S. Senate in Minnesota November 6, 2018 Democratic Party Al Franken Democratic Party Tina Smith D+11 D+10 D+2
    U.S. Senate in Mississippi November 6, 2018 Republican Party Thad Cochran Republican Party Cindy Hyde-Smith R+8 R+22 R+18
    New York's 25th Congressional District November 6, 2018 Democratic Party Louise Slaughter Democratic Party Joseph Morelle D+16 D+12 D+16
    Pennsylvania's 7th Congressional District November 6, 2018 Republican Party Patrick Meehan Democratic Party Mary Gay Scanlon D+6 R+19 D+2
    Pennsylvania's 15th Congressional District November 6, 2018 Republican Party Charlie Dent Democratic Party Susan Wild D+0 R+20 R+8

    Pivot Counties[edit]

    See also: Pivot Counties by state

    Nineteen of 87 Minnesota counties—21.8 percent—are Pivot Counties. Pivot Counties are counties that voted for Barack Obama (D) in 2008 and 2012 and for Donald Trump (R) in 2016. Altogether, the nation had 206 Pivot Counties, with most being concentrated in upper midwestern and northeastern states.

    Counties won by Trump in 2016 and Obama in 2012 and 2008
    County Trump margin of victory in 2016 Obama margin of victory in 2012 Obama margin of victory in 2008
    Beltrami County, Minnesota 9.72% 9.89% 10.15%
    Blue Earth County, Minnesota 3.69% 9.48% 12.95%
    Chippewa County, Minnesota 28.70% 1.87% 5.87%
    Clay County, Minnesota 1.95% 7.92% 16.02%
    Fillmore County, Minnesota 21.70% 7.34% 8.26%
    Freeborn County, Minnesota 17.24% 14.11% 17.13%
    Houston County, Minnesota 13.87% 3.16% 10.69%
    Itasca County, Minnesota 16.35% 9.83% 12.92%
    Kittson County, Minnesota 22.05% 6.03% 18.54%
    Koochiching County, Minnesota 19.85% 9.45% 10.10%
    Lac qui Parle County, Minnesota 25.60% 0.90% 5.92%
    Mahnomen County, Minnesota 2.92% 18.56% 25.31%
    Mower County, Minnesota 7.82% 22.61% 23.61%
    Nicollet County, Minnesota 3.04% 7.83% 10.52%
    Norman County, Minnesota 13.34% 10.79% 26.94%
    Rice County, Minnesota 3.06% 8.27% 11.50%
    Swift County, Minnesota 25.57% 9.83% 13.79%
    Traverse County, Minnesota 23.30% 4.44% 5.41%
    Winona County, Minnesota 2.90% 12.85% 19.09%

    In the 2016 presidential election, Hillary Clinton (D) won Minnesota with 46.4 percent of the vote. Donald Trump (R) received 44.9 percent. In presidential elections between 1860 and 2016, Minnesota voted Republican 50 percent of the time and Democratic 47.5 percent of the time. In the five presidential elections between 2000 and 2016, Minnesota voted Democratic all five times.[38]

    Presidential results by legislative district[edit]

    The following table details results of the 2012 and 2016 presidential elections by state House districts in Minnesota. Click [show] to expand the table. The "Obama," "Romney," "Clinton," and "Trump" columns describe the percent of the vote each presidential candidate received in the district. The "2012 Margin" and "2016 Margin" columns describe the margin of victory between the two presidential candidates in those years. The "Party Control" column notes which party held that seat heading into the 2018 general election. Data on the results of the 2012 and 2016 presidential elections broken down by state legislative districts was compiled by Daily Kos.[39][40]

    In 2012, Barack Obama (D) won 68 out of 134 state House districts in Minnesota with an average margin of victory of 27.6 points. In 2016, Hillary Clinton (D) won 62 out of 134 state House districts in Minnesota with an average margin of victory of 30.4 points. Clinton won 12 districts controlled by Republicans heading into the 2018 elections.
    In 2012, Mitt Romney (R) won 66 out of 134 state House districts in Minnesota with an average margin of victory of 12.3 points. In 2016, Donald Trump (R) won 72 out of 134 state House districts in Minnesota with an average margin of victory of 23.8 points. Trump won seven districts controlled by Democrats heading into the 2018 elections.

    Election history[edit]

    2014[edit]

    U.S. Senate, Minnesota General Election, 2014
    Party Candidate Vote % Votes
         Democratic Green check mark transparent.pngAl Franken Incumbent 53.2% 1,053,205
         Republican Mike McFadden 42.9% 850,227
         Libertarian Heather Johnson 1.5% 29,685
         Independence Steve Carlson 2.4% 47,530
         N/A Write-in 0% 881
    Total Votes 1,981,528
    Source: Minnesota Secretary of State

    2012[edit]

    On November 6, 2012, Amy Klobuchar won re-election to the United States Senate. She defeated Kurt Bills, Stephen Williams, Timothy Davis, and Michael Cavlan in the general election.

    U.S. Senate, Minnesota General Election, 2012
    Party Candidate Vote % Votes
         Democratic Green check mark transparent.pngAmy Klobuchar Incumbent 65.2% 1,854,595
         Republican Kurt Bills 30.5% 867,974
         Independence Stephen Williams 2.6% 73,539
         Grassroots Tim Davis 1.1% 30,531
         Progressive Michael Cavlan 0.5% 13,986
    Total Votes 2,843,207
    Source: Minnesota Secretary of State, "Official Election Results, 2012 General Election" (dead link)

    2008[edit]

    On November 4, 2008, Al Franken (D) won election to the United States Senate. He defeated Norm Coleman (R), Dean Barkley (I), Charles Aldrich (L), James Niemackl (C), Michael Cavlan (I, write-in), and Anthony Keith Price (I, write-in) in the general election. He won election after a hand recount of the vote and a legal battle that concluded in June 2009.[41][42]

    U.S. Senate, Minnesota General Election, 2008
    Party Candidate Vote % Votes
         Democratic Green check mark transparent.pngAl Franken 42% 1,212,629
         Republican Norm Coleman Incumbent 42% 1,212,317
         Independent Dean Barkley 15.2% 437,505
         Libertarian Charles Aldrich 0.5% 13,923
         Constitution James Niemackl 0.3% 8,907
         Independent Michael Cavlan 0% 13
         Independent Anthony Keith Price 0% 12
         Independent Write-In 0.1% 2,340
    Total Votes 2,887,646

    History of Franken seat prior to 2009[edit]

    Franken's Senate seat has been at the center of several notable political events that have resulted in changes in its partisan control. These events began in 1976 when the seat was vacated by Walter Mondale (D) so that he could run for vice president of the United States on Gov. Jimmy Carter's (D-Ga.) ticket. After Mondale left, Gov. Wendell Anderson (D) also resigned and was succeeded by his lieutenant governor, Rudy Perpich (D). Once in office, Perpich was able to fill Mondale's vacancy and he chose Anderson. In 1978, Anderson, Perpich, and other Democrats running for re-election were defeated by Republicans. The heavy Democratic losses prompted political observers to name the election the "Minnesota Massacre." Republican Rudy Boschwitz took over the Senate seat held by Anderson.[43]

    Boschwitz served two terms in the seat before being defeated by Paul Wellstone (D) in 1990. In the final days of the 1990 campaign, Boschwitz, who was Jewish, sent out a campaign letter saying that Wellstone, also Jewish, was not connected to the Jewish community and had not raised his children as Jewish.[44] According to an analysis by the Jewish Telegraphic Agency, the letter might have contributed to Boschwitz's defeat.[45] Boschwitz challenged Wellstone in a 1996 rematch and was defeated.

    Wellstone served until 2002 when, in the midst of his re-election campaign against Republican Norm Coleman, he and his family were killed in a plane crash. The plane crash occurred on October 25, 2002, which was less than two weeks before the general election. The Democratic Party appointed former Vice President Walter Mondale to run in Wellstone's place. Coleman defeated Mondale in the general election.[46]

    Coleman held the seat for one term, losing to Al Franken in 2008. The election was close, with Coleman leading Franken after election night by less than 1,000 votes. A canvassing of ballots found that Coleman's lead was actually only 206 votes, triggering an automatic recount. After the recount, the State Canvassing Board found that Franken had actually won the election by a narrow margin. Coleman appealed the result until it reached the Minnesota Supreme Court. In June 2009, the court ruled in Franken's favor, clearing the way for him to be sworn in as a U.S. senator. When Franken was sworn in, he became the 60th Democratic member, which was the margin needed to invoke cloture on Senate business and prevent some delaying tactics commonly used by the minority party.[47]

    Background[edit]

    Franken sexual misconduct allegations[edit]

    See also: Sexual misconduct in American politics (2017)

    Franken's announced resignation came in the midst of increased attention to sexual misconduct in American politics in late 2017. Starting in October 2017, stories of sexual misconduct across the federal and state levels of American government emerged following the firing of film producer Harvey Weinstein over allegations of sexual harassment. A Glamour Magazine article tracking sexual harassment allegations that were brought to light following Weinstein's firing described it as having "sparked an avalanche of accusations against high-profile men in media, politics, Silicon Valley, and Hollywood, all with varying degrees of repercussions."[48]

    Allegations against Franken began on November 16, 2017, when Leeann Tweeden, a model and television commentator, accused Sen. Franken of sexually assaulting her during a USO tour to the Middle East in 2006. According to Tweeden, Franken forcibly kissed her while rehearsing a skit backstage. A photo she released also shows Franken placing his hands on or near her chest while she was asleep.[49] In response to the allegations, Franken said, “I certainly don’t remember the rehearsal for the skit in the same way, but I send my sincerest apologies to Leeann. As to the photo, it was clearly intended to be funny but wasn’t. I shouldn’t have done it.” Franken urged the Senate to open an ethics investigation into the matter.[50] Both Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) also called for an investigation by the Senate Ethics Committee.[51]

    On November 20, 2017, CNN reported that another woman, Lindsay Menz, alleged that Franken had grabbed her buttocks during an encounter at the Minnesota State Fair in 2010 when Franken was serving his first term in the U.S. Senate. In a statement, Franken said, "I take thousands of photos at the state fair surrounded by hundreds of people, and I certainly don't remember taking this picture. I feel badly that Ms. Menz came away from our interaction feeling disrespected."[52]

    On November 22, 2017, HuffPost reported that two additional women had come forward alleging that Franken had touched them inappropriately. The first woman, who remained anonymous, claimed that Franken groped her as she posed for a photo with him after a 2007 event in Minneapolis, Minnesota. "My story is eerily similar to Lindsay Menz's story," she said. "He grabbed my buttocks during a photo op." The second woman, who also spoke on condition of anonymity, claimed that Franken groped her buttocks at a 2008 fundraiser in Minneapolis, and then suggested they visit the bathroom together. In response to these allegations, Franken told HuffPost, "I can categorically say that I did not proposition anyone to join me in any bathroom."[53]

    On November 30, 2017, Stephanie Kemplin, a former army police officer, accused Franken of groping her during a photo op with him in Kuwait in 2003. "When he put his arm around me, he groped my right breast. He kept his hand all the way over on my breast. I've never had a man put their arm around me and then cup my breast. So he was holding my breast on the side," Kemplin said. In response, a spokesperson for Franken said, "[Sen. Franken] takes thousands of photos and has met tens of thousands of people and he has never intentionally engaged in this kind of conduct. He remains fully committed to cooperating with the ethics investigation."[54]

    Also on November 30, 2017, an unidentified former elected official from New England accused Franken of sexual misconduct. According to Jezebel, the woman appeared on Franken's radio show in 2006. After the interview, the woman says she extended her hand to shake his. “He took it and leaned toward me with his mouth open. I turned my head away from him and he landed a wet, open-mouthed kiss awkwardly on my cheek,” she says.[55] As of December 4, 2017, Franken had not issued a formal response to this allegation.

    On December 6, Politico reported that an unnamed former Democratic congressional staffer claimed that Franken tried to forcibly kiss her in 2006 and told her, “It’s my right as an entertainer.” In response, Franken said, "This allegation is categorically not true and the idea that I would claim this as my right as an entertainer is preposterous. I look forward to fully cooperating with the ongoing ethics committee investigation."[56]

    After this allegation, 35 members of the Democratic Caucus in the United States Senate, including Minority Leader Schumer, called on Franken to resign. See the senators who called for Franken's resignation here.

    Also on December 6, Democratic writer Tina Dupuy wrote a piece for The Atlantic where she alleged that Franken had groped her in 2009.[57] As of December 6, Franken had not responded to the allegation.

    Wave election analysis[edit]

    See also: Wave elections (1918-2016)

    The term wave election is frequently used to describe an election cycle in which one party makes significant electoral gains. How many seats would Republicans have had to lose for the 2018 midterm election to be considered a wave election?

    Ballotpedia examined the results of the 50 election cycles that occurred between 1918 and 2016—spanning from President Woodrow Wilson's (D) second midterm in 1918 to Donald Trump's (R) first presidential election in 2016. We define wave elections as the 20 percent of elections in that period resulting in the greatest seat swings against the president's party.

    Applying this definition to U.S. Senate elections, we found that Republicans needed to lose seven seats for 2018 to qualify as a wave election.

    The chart below shows the number of seats the president's party lost in the 10 U.S. Senate waves from 1918 to 2016. Click here to read the full report.

    U.S. Senate wave elections
    Year President Party Election type Senate seats change Senate majority[58]
    1932 Hoover R Presidential -13 D (flipped)
    1958 Eisenhower R Second midterm -12 D
    1946 Truman D First midterm -10 R (flipped)
    1980 Carter D Presidential -9 R (flipped)
    2014 Obama D Second midterm -9 R (flipped)
    1942 Roosevelt D Third midterm -8 D
    2008 George W. Bush D Presidential -8 D
    1926 Coolidge R First midterm[59] -7 R
    1930 Hoover R First midterm -7 R
    1986 Reagan R Second midterm -7 D (flipped)

    State overview[edit]

    Partisan control[edit]

    This section details the partisan control of federal and state positions in Minnesota heading into the 2018 elections.

    Congressional delegation[edit]

    State executives[edit]

    State legislature[edit]

    • Republicans had a 77-56 majority in the state House. The state Senate was tied, with 33 Republicans and 33 Democrats.

    Trifecta status[edit]

    • Minnesota was under divided government, meaning that the two parties shared control of the state government. Mark Dayton (D) served as governor, while Republicans controlled the state legislature.

    2018 elections[edit]

    See also: Minnesota elections, 2018

    Minnesota held elections for the following positions in 2018:

    Demographics[edit]

    Demographic data for Minnesota
     MinnesotaU.S.
    Total population:5,482,435316,515,021
    Land area (sq mi):79,6273,531,905
    Race and ethnicity**
    White:84.8%73.6%
    Black/African American:5.5%12.6%
    Asian:4.4%5.1%
    Native American:1%0.8%
    Pacific Islander:0%0.2%
    Two or more:2.7%3%
    Hispanic/Latino:5%17.1%
    Education
    High school graduation rate:92.4%86.7%
    College graduation rate:33.7%29.8%
    Income
    Median household income:$61,492$53,889
    Persons below poverty level:12.2%11.3%
    Source: U.S. Census Bureau, "American Community Survey" (5-year estimates 2010-2015)
    Click here for more information on the 2020 census and here for more on its impact on the redistricting process in Minnesota.
    **Note: Percentages for race and ethnicity may add up to more than 100 percent because respondents may report more than one race and the Hispanic/Latino ethnicity may be selected in conjunction with any race. Read more about race and ethnicity in the census here.

    As of July 2016, Minnesota's three largest cities were Minneapolis (pop. est. 422,000), St. Paul (pop. est. 307,000), and Rochester (pop. est. 116,000).[60]

    State election history[edit]

    This section provides an overview of federal and state elections in Minnesota from 2000 to 2016. All data comes from the Minnesota Secretary of State.

    Historical elections[edit]

    Presidential elections, 2000-2016[edit]

    This chart shows the results of the presidential election in Minnesota every year from 2000 to 2016.

    Election results (President of the United States), Minnesota 2000-2016
    Year First-place candidate First-place candidate votes (%) Second-place candidate Second-place candidate votes (%) Margin of victory (%)
    2016 Democratic Party Hillary Clinton 46.4% Republican Party Donald Trump 44.9% 1.5%
    2012 Democratic Party Barack Obama 52.7% Republican Party Mitt Romney 45.0% 7.7%
    2008 Democratic Party Barack Obama 54.1% Republican Party John McCain 43.8% 10.3%
    2004 Democratic Party John Kerry 51.1% Republican Party George W. Bush 47.6% 3.5%
    2000 Democratic Party Al Gore 47.9% Republican Party George W. Bush 45.5% 2.4%

    U.S. Senate elections, 2000-2016[edit]

    This chart shows the results of U.S. Senate races in Minnesota from 2000 to 2016. Every state has two Senate seats, and each seat goes up for election every six years. The terms of the seats are staggered so that roughly one-third of the seats are up every two years.

    Election results (U.S. Senator), Minnesota 2000-2016
    Year First-place candidate First-place candidate votes (%) Second-place candidate Second-place candidate votes (%) Margin of victory (%)
    2014 Democratic Party Al Franken 53.2% Republican Party Mike McFadden 42.9% 10.3%
    2012 Democratic Party Amy Klobuchar 65.2% Republican Party Kurt Bills 30.5% 34.7%
    2008 Democratic Party Al Franken 41.99% Republican Party Norm Coleman 41.98% 0.01%
    2006 Democratic Party Amy Klobuchar 58.1% Republican Party Mark Kennedy 37.9% 20.2%
    2002 Republican Party Norm Coleman 49.5% Democratic Party Walter Mondale 47.3% 2.2%
    2000 Democratic Party Mark Dayton 48.8% Republican Party Rod Grams 43.3% 5.5%

    Gubernatorial elections, 2000-2016[edit]

    This chart shows the results of the four gubernatorial elections held between 2000 and 2016. Gubernatorial elections are held every four years in Minnesota.

    Election results (Governor), Minnesota 2000-2016
    Year First-place candidate First-place candidate votes (%) Second-place candidate Second-place candidate votes (%) Margin of victory (%)
    2014 Democratic Party Mark Dayton 50.1% Republican Party Jeff Johnson 44.5% 5.6%
    2010 Democratic Party Mark Dayton 43.6% Republican Party Tom Emmer 43.2% 0.4%
    2006 Republican Party Tim Pawlenty 46.7% Democratic Party Mike Hatch 45.7% 1.0%
    2002 Republican Party Tim Pawlenty 44.4% Democratic Party Roger Moe 36.5% 7.9%

    Congressional delegation, 2000-2016[edit]

    This chart shows the number of Democrats and Republicans who were elected to represent Minnesota in the U.S. House from 2000 to 2016. Elections for U.S. House seats are held every two years.

    Congressional delegation, Minnesota 2000-2016
    Year Republicans Republicans (%) Democrats Democrats (%) Balance of power
    2016 Republican Party 3 37.5% Democratic Party 5 62.5% D+2
    2014 Republican Party 3 37.5% Democratic Party 5 62.5% D+2
    2012 Republican Party 3 37.5% Democratic Party 5 62.5% D+2
    2010 Republican Party 4 50.0% Democratic Party 4 50.0% Even
    2008 Republican Party 3 37.5% Democratic Party 5 62.5% D+2
    2006 Republican Party 3 37.5% Democratic Party 5 62.5% D+2
    2004 Republican Party 4 50.0% Democratic Party 4 50.0% Even
    2002 Republican Party 4 50.0% Democratic Party 4 50.0% Even
    2000 Republican Party 3 37.5% Democratic Party 5 62.5% D+2

    Trifectas, 1992-2017[edit]

    A state government trifecta occurs when one party controls both chambers of the state legislature and the governor's office.

    Minnesota Party Control: 1992-2021
    Two years of Democratic trifectas  •  No Republican trifectas
    Scroll left and right on the table below to view more years.

    Year 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21
    Governor R R R R R R R I I I I R R R R R R R R D D D D D D D D D D D
    Senate D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D R R D D D D R R R R R
    House D D D D D D D R R R R R R R R D D D D R R D D R R R R D D D


    See also[edit]

    Footnotes[edit]

    1. ↑ 270 To Win, "1972 Presidential Election," accessed October 19, 2018
    2. ↑ Bloomberg, "Chicks' Picks Come Home to Roost," October 7, 2001
    3. ↑ Karin Housley 247, "About Karin, accessed September 25, 2018
    4. ↑ Duluth News Tribune, "Health care Q+A with Senate candidates Smith, Housley," September 22, 2018
    5. ↑ Karin Housley for Senate, "Issues," accessed September 25, 2018
    6. ↑ 'Karin Housley for Senate, "Issues," accessed September 25, 2018
    7. ↑ Twin Cities Pioneer Press, "Who is Tina Smith? Here’s a quick look at her career," December 13, 2017
    8. ↑ Politico, "Franken to resign from Senate in January," December 20, 2017
    9. ↑ Minnesota.gov, "Governor Mark Dayton, Lt. Governor Tina Smith: Lt. Gov. Tina Smith," accessed January 6, 2015
    10. ↑ Minnesota Office of Lieutenant Governor, "Home," accessed January 6, 2015
    11. ↑ Patrick Condon, Star-Tribune, "Lt. Gov. Tina Smith's high-profile role fuels speculation about her political future," October 10, 2015
    12. ↑ DMC, "A thank you to Lt. Gov. Tina Smith for her service to Destination Medical Center," December 28, 2017
    13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 13.2 Tina for Minnesota, "Vision," accessed September 26, 2018
    14. ↑ OpenSecrets.org, "Outside Spending," accessed September 22, 2015
    15. ↑ OpenSecrets.org, "Total Outside Spending by Election Cycle, All Groups," accessed September 22, 2015
    16. ↑ National Review.com, "Why the Media Hate Super PACs," November 6, 2015
    17. ↑ Politico, "Trump tries to close out tight Senate races," November 1, 2018
    18. ↑ Open Secrets, "Outside Spending: Minnesota Senate Special Election, accessed September 26, 2018
    19. ↑ FEC, "Independent Expenditures: Great America PAC," accessed October 3, 2018
    20. ↑ Minnesota Public Radio, "Smith aims to use Planned Parenthood background to her advantage," September 10, 2018
    21. ↑ Inside Elections also uses Tilt ratings to indicate an even smaller advantage and greater competitiveness.
    22. ↑ Amee LaTour, "Email correspondence with Nathan Gonzalez," April 19, 2018
    23. ↑ Amee LaTour, "Email correspondence with Kyle Kondik," April 19, 2018
    24. ↑ Amee LaTour, "Email correspondence with Charlie Cook," April 22, 2018
    25. ↑ Twitter, "Barack Obama," October 1, 2018
    26. ↑ Twin Cities Pioneer Press, "Trump endorses several Minnesota Republicans during raucous Rochester rally," October 4, 2018
    27. ↑ New York Times, "Kavanaugh Is Sworn In After Close Confirmation Vote in Senate Video," October 6, 2018
    28. ↑ Facebook, "TinaSmithMN," October 6, 2018
    29. ↑ Housley for U.S. Senate, "Karin Housley hails confirmation of Justice Brett Kavanaugh," October 6, 2018
    30. ↑ 30.0 30.1 Housley for Senate, "Issues,' accessed September 26, 2018 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name "karenissues" defined multiple times with different content
    31. ↑ 31.0 31.1 Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
    32. ↑ Twin Cities, "Mark Dayton picking Tina Smith to replace Al Franken in Senate; she will run in 2018," December 13, 2017
    33. ↑ 33.0 33.1 CBS News, "When Al Franken resigns, who will replace him?," December 7, 2017
    34. ↑ The Office of the Revisor of Statutes, "204D.28 UNITED STATES SENATE VACANCY; MANNER OF FILLING." accessed December 6, 2017
    35. ↑ Daily Kos, "2008, 2012, & 2016 Presidential Election Results by District," accessed July 11, 2018
    36. ↑ 36.0 36.1 Both general election candidates were Democrats.
    37. ↑ Lamb won by a margin of 0.4 percentage points.
    38. ↑ 270towin.com, "Minnesota," accessed June 29, 2017
    39. ↑ Daily Kos, "Daily Kos Elections' statewide election results by congressional and legislative districts," July 9, 2013
    40. ↑ Daily Kos, "Daily Kos Elections' 2016 presidential results for congressional and legislative districts," February 6, 2017
    41. ↑ Senator Al Franken, "Official Biography," accessed March 28, 2013
    42. ↑ U.S. Congress House Clerk, "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 4, 2008," accessed March 28, 2013
    43. ↑ MPR News, "Thirty years ago it was the Republicans' year," May 30, 2008
    44. ↑ New York Times, "Ousted Senator Apologizes for Letter to Jews," November 10, 1990
    45. ↑ Jewish Telegraphic Agency, "News Analysis: Letter Attacking Rival’s Jewishness May Have Hurt Boschwitz at the Polls," November 12, 1990
    46. ↑ CNN, "Coleman wins Minnesota Senate race," November 6, 2002
    47. ↑ Politico, "Coleman concedes race to Franken," June 30, 2009
    48. ↑ Glamour Magazine, "Post-Weinstein, These Are the Powerful Men Facing Sexual Harassment Allegations," November 30, 2017
    49. ↑ KABC, “Senator Al Franken Kissed and Groped Me Without My Consent, And There’s Nothing Funny About It,” accessed November 16, 2017
    50. ↑ CNN, “Read Al Franken's apology following accusation of groping and kissing without consent,” November 16, 2017
    51. ↑ Slate, “How Democrats Are Responding to the Franken Assault Allegation,” November 16, 2017
    52. ↑ CNN, "Woman says Franken inappropriately touched her in 2010," November 20, 2017
    53. ↑ [ https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/al-franken-two-more-women-groping_us_5a15a455e4b09650540ec295 HuffPost, "Two More Women Accuse Sen. Al Franken Of Inappropriate Touching," November 22, 2017]
    54. ↑ CNN, "Army veteran says Franken groped her during USO tour in 2003," November 30, 2017
    55. ↑ Jezebel, "New England Elected Official Says Al Franken Tried to Give Her A 'Wet, Open-Mouthed Kiss' Onstage," November 30, 2017
    56. ↑ Politico, "Another woman says Franken tried to forcibly kiss her," December 6, 2017
    57. ↑ The Atlantic, "I Believe Franken’s Accusers Because He Groped Me, Too," December 6, 2017
    58. ↑ Denotes the party that had more seats in the U.S. House following the election.
    59. ↑ Calvin Coolidge's (R) first term began in August 1923 after the death of President Warren Harding (R), who was first elected in 1920. Before he had his first midterm in 1926, Coolidge was re-elected as president in 1924.
    60. ↑ Minnesota Demographics, "Minnesota Cities by Population," accessed September 4, 2018
    v • e
    Sexual misconduct in American politics (2017)
    Responses
    Events
    Related pages


    Minnesota's current delegation to the United States Congress
    Senators
    Amy Klobuchar (D)
    Tina Smith (D)
    Representatives
    District 1
    District 2
    District 3
    District 4
    District 5
    District 6
    Tom Emmer (R)
    District 7
    District 8
    Democratic Party (6)
    Republican Party (4)

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