Democrats maintain majority in Minnesota Senate following special election

Democrats kept their narrow majority in the Minnesota Senate Tuesday after voters in the east metro elected Rep. Amanda Hemmingsen-Jaeger to the upper chamber.

Unofficial election results showed Hemmingsen-Jaeger winning in Senate District 47, which includes Woodbury and part of Maplewood. The seat was formerly held by Nicole Mitchell, who resigned after a lengthy criminal saga that resulted in a first-degree burglary conviction.

Republican Michael Holmstrom Jr. also appeared to have clenched a victory in the safely red Senate District 29, which includes Buffalo, Monticello, Delano and Annandale. Sen. Bruce Anderson, R-Buffalo, previously held the seat. He died in July.

The two special elections Tuesday means the Minnesota Senate will return to a Democratic majority, 34-33.

“This special election win was absolutely crucial for defending Democrats’ majority in one of the most competitive legislative chambers in the country,” said Heather Williams, president of Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee, in a statement. “This marks the fourth time this year that Democrats have won majority-deciding special elections in Minnesota, and we’re not slowing down any time soon.”

Hemmingsen-Jaeger was first elected to the Minnesota House in 2022. She has a science background, holding degrees in cell biology, genetics and environmental policy. She’s worked for the departments of Public Safety and Human Services.

Holmstrom is a small business owner from Buffalo and a Wright County GOP volunteer. On his campaign site, Holmstrom said he’s had years of “pro-life activism” and committed to “defending girls’ sports and standing with parents as the primary decision-makers in their children’s education.”

The Minnesota Legislature is still split, as Republicans control exactly one half of the Minnesota House. Any legislation proposed in the 2026 session, which begins in February, would need bipartisan support for passage.