Updated as of 10:40 p.m. Tuesday.
Voters in Minnesota's Senate District 6 will elect a new state senator in April to fill the vacancy caused by Justin Eichorn's resignation.
The special primary election to narrow the field of Republican candidates is Tuesday, April 15. Senate District 6 covers Crow Wing, Cass and Itasca counties and includes the cities of Brainerd, Baxter and Grand Rapids.
Here's everything you need to know about the Senate District 6 special election.
What are the results of the special primary election?
The polls closed at 8 p.m. Unofficial results will be updated as they become available.
80/80 precincts reporting
Republicans
Keri Heintzeman - 3,404, 46.77%
John Howe - 1,127, 15.49%
Jennifer Carnahan - 812, 11.16%
Josh Gazelka - 679, 9.33%
Steve Cotariu - 458, 6.29%
Angel Zierden - 407, 5.59%
Doug Kern - 363, 4.99%
Matthew Zinda - 28, 0.38%
Democratic-Farmer-Labor
Denise Slipy - 1,131, 100%
As of 7 a.m. Tuesday, there were 59,686 registered voters in the district.
Why is there a special election?
Grand Rapids Republican Justin Eichorn resigned from the Senate on March 20. He had been arrested in Bloomington three days earlier for soliciting a minor for prostitution.
Eichorn allegedly sought paid sex from an undercover officer posing as a 17-year-old multiple times over the course of nearly a week, according to charges.
He faces one felony federal charge of agreeing to hire a person under 18 years old for prostitution, which carries a maximum penalty of 15 years.
Who is running for Senate District 6?
Nine candidates — eight Republican, one DFL — filed to run for the seat. They are Republicans Jennifer Carnahan, Steve Cotariu, Josh Gazelka, Keri Heintzeman, John Howe, Doug Kern, Angel Zierden and Matthew Zinda. The DFL candidate is Denise Slipy.
Seven of the eight Republican candidates participated in a forum in Baxter to share their views, and several of the candidates participated in our Election Guide.
When is the special primary?
The special primary election is Tuesday, April 15.
The primary will narrow the field to one candidate from the Republican Party, who will face the DFL candidate in the special general election.
Polling places will be open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on primary Election Day. You can find your polling place here.
Absentee voting began April 9 and voters in mail-only precincts had ballot mailed to them. The Secretary of State's Office recommends dropping off your ballot at your county's in-person location.
Voters can register on Election Day.
How does primary voting work in Minnesota?
For partisan races — those with a political party next to a candidate's name on the ballot — voters can only vote for candidates from one political party.
Minnesota does not have political party registration, so voters can choose which party to vote for in the primary.
Slipy does not have any DFL challengers, so only the Republican candidates will be on the ballot Tuesday.
When is the special general election?
The special election will be Tuesday, April 29. Polling places will be open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day. You can find your polling place here.
Early in-person voting begins April 23. Voting is available 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. April 23-25, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 26 and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 28.
Cass County voters can cast their ballots at the Cass County Auditor-Treasurer's Department in Walker, Crow Wing County voters at the Historic Courthouse in Brainerd and Itasca County voters at the Courthouse in Grand Rapids.
Absentee voting also begins April 23. Voters can request an absentee ballot from the Secretary of State's Office. Voters in mail-only precincts will have a ballot mailed to them.
Due to the short timeline, the Secretary of State's Office recommends dropping off your ballot at your county's in-person location.
Voters can pre-register by April 22 or register on Election Day.
Where is Minnesota Senate District 6?
Senate District 6 covers northern Crow Wing, east-central Cass and southwestern Itasca counties. It includes the cities of Brainerd, Baxter, Garrison, Crosby, Crosslake, Pequot Lakes, Remer, Grand Rapids and Cohasset.
Where can I vote for Senate District 6?
If you're not sure where to go on Election Day, you can find your polling place here.
Most polling places will be the same as last November, though some may have changed.
Early in-person voting locations depend on what county you live in. Cass County voters can cast their ballots at the Cass County Auditor-Treasurer's Department in Walker, Crow Wing County voters at the Historic Courthouse in Brainerd and Itasca County voters at the Courthouse in Grand Rapids.
When does early voting open for the general election in Senate District 6?
Early voting for the special general election begins April 23 and ends April 28.
How do I register to vote?
Voters can pre-register until the day before the election: April 28 for special election.
Minnesota also allows registration on Election Day. To register at your polling place, you'll need to bring one proof of residence, such as a current ID with your name and address, a photo ID and a document such as a bill or lease or another registered voter who can confirm your address.
What is Senate District 6's election history?
Republican Justin Eichorn was first elected to the Minnesota Senate in 2016, when he narrowly beat incumbent DFLer Tom Sauxhaug in the District 5 race.
Before 2022, parts of Itasca and Cass counties were in District 5, and Crow Wing County was in District 10. Before that, the region was divided into three districts.
2022-Present
- Justin Eichorn, Republican, District 6
2012-2022
- Eichorn (2017-2025), District 5
- Tom Saxhaug (2013-2016), DFL, District 5
- Carrie Ruud (2013-2022), Republican, District 10
2002-2012
- Saxhaug (2003-2012), District 3
- Mary Olson (2007-2012), DFL, District 4
- Ruud (2003-2006), District 4
- Paul Koering (2003-2012), Republican, District 12
Still have questions? You can find more on the election on the Secretary of State's website or ask our news team by emailing news@kaxe.org.
