2025 Minnesota state elections

The 2025 Minnesota state elections were held on November 4, 2025, encompassing statewide local and special legislative contests, along with numerous municipal and school district elections. Earlier in the year, township elections occurred on March 11, and several legislative vacancies prompted special elections for both the Minnesota House of Representatives and the Minnesota Senate.^[1]

The 2025 cycle marked one of the most active non-federal election years in Minnesota’s history, with six legislative special elections held or scheduled during the 94th Minnesota Legislature, tying a record first set in 1994. The results of these contests maintained a delicate partisan balance: Democrats retained control of the Senate, while the House remained evenly split following a series of close special elections.^[2]

Municipal races took place concurrently across major cities including Minneapolis, Saint Paul, Duluth, and Bloomington. Incumbent mayors Jacob Frey and Melvin Carter each secured re-election to third terms in their respective cities, while Minneapolis and Saint Paul voters also decided multiple city council, park board, and ballot questions under ranked-choice voting systems. Numerous school board and special elections occurred statewide, reflecting increased voter engagement across nonpartisan local offices.^[3]

Timing[edit | edit source]

Under Minnesota statute, special elections are generally limited to five designated dates per year: February 11, April 8, May 13, August 12, and November 4. Exceptions can occur when vacancies arise too close to these dates for proper notice or when courts intervene. This framework guided the timing of all 2025 legislative special elections and municipal contests.^[4]

State legislative special elections[edit | edit source]

Six special elections to the 94th Minnesota Legislature were held during 2025, matching the 1994 record for the most in a single year. These races collectively preserved the existing partisan balance in both chambers while drawing significant statewide attention to legislative control.^[5]

Senate district 60 special election[edit | edit source]

A special election was held on January 28, 2025, to fill the 60th State Senate district following the death of DFL senator Kari Dziedzic. DFL nominee Doron Clark defeated Republican Abigail Wolters with over 90% of the vote, restoring the party’s control of the Senate chamber.^[6]

House district 40B special election[edit | edit source]

A special election was held on March 11, 2025, for House district 40B after the election of DFLer Curtis Johnson was nullified by the Minnesota Supreme Court for residency violations. Democrat David Gottfried won the race, returning the House to an even 67–67 split between parties.^[7]

Senate district 6 special election[edit | edit source]

A special election held on April 29, 2025, filled the vacancy caused by the resignation of Republican senator Justin Eichorn. Republican Keri Heintzeman defeated Democrat Denise Slipy with approximately 60% of the vote, maintaining GOP control of the seat.^[8]

House district 34B special election[edit | edit source]

Following the assassination of former House Speaker Melissa Hortman on June 17, 2025, a special election was held on September 16. DFL candidate Xp Lee defeated Republican Ruth Bittner, retaining the seat for the Democrats with roughly 61% of the vote.^[9]

Senate district 29 special election[edit | edit source]

A special election held on November 4, 2025, filled the vacancy created by the death of Republican senator Bruce Anderson. Republican Michael Holmstrom Jr. defeated DFL candidate Louis McNutt in unofficial results reported by FOX 9, maintaining GOP control of the district. Certification was pending as of November 5, 2025.^[10]

Senate district 47 special election[edit | edit source]

A concurrent November 4, 2025, special election was held in Senate District 47 after DFL senator Nicole Mitchell resigned following a burglary conviction. Preliminary results indicated that DFL representative Amanda Hemmingsen-Jaeger defeated Republican Dwight Dorau with about 61% of the vote, allowing Democrats to retain their one-seat Senate majority.^[11]

Local elections[edit | edit source]

Seventeen municipalities and twenty-one school districts held regularly scheduled elections in 2025, alongside more than seventy special elections for local offices and ballot questions.^[12]

Minneapolis[edit | edit source]

In the mayoral race, incumbent Jacob Frey was re-elected to a third and final term under the city’s ranked-choice voting system. Progressive candidates retained a majority on the city council, maintaining the policy direction set since 2021.^[13]

Saint Paul[edit | edit source]

In Saint Paul, Mayor Melvin Carter III was elected to a third term. Voters also approved a measure to move city elections to even-numbered years beginning in 2026.^[14]

Duluth[edit | edit source]

Elections were held for four city council seats in Duluth, along with a ballot question known as the “Renter Right to Repair” initiative, which voters narrowly approved to strengthen tenant protections.^[15]

Bloomington[edit | edit source]

Bloomington held city council and school board elections, with incumbents re-elected to all contested seats under ranked-choice voting. Voter turnout exceeded 30%, among the highest in recent off-year cycles.^[16]

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]