Minnesota State Senate elections, 2012
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Minnesota's 2012 elections U.S. Senate • U.S. House • State Senate • State House • State ballot measures • Candidate ballot access |
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Elections for the Minnesota State Senate were held in Minnesota on November 6, 2012. A total of 67 seats were up for election.
The signature filing deadline for candidates wishing to run in these elections was June 5, 2012. The primary Election Day was August 14, 2012.
Although Minnesota senators typically serve four-year terms, they are elected to a two-year term during the first election of the decade. This allows for legislative elections to fall shortly after redistricting is completed. Since Minnesota Senate terms are not staggered, all sitting members were on the ballot in November.
Majority control
- See also: Partisan composition of state senates
Heading into the November 6 election, the Republican Party held the majority in the Minnesota State Senate:
| Minnesota State Senate | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Party | As of November 5, 2012 | After the 2012 Election | |
| Democratic Party | 30 | 39 | |
| Republican Party | 37 | 28 | |
| Total | 67 | 67 | |
Incumbents retiring
A total of 16 incumbents did not run for re-election in 2012. Those incumbents were:
| Name | Party | Current Office |
|---|---|---|
| Keith Langseth |  Democratic |
Senate District 9 |
| Gretchen Hoffman |  Republican |
Senate District 10 |
| Amy Koch | Republican |
Senate District 19 |
| Doug Magnus | Republican |
Senate District 22 |
| Al DeKruif | Republican |
Senate District 25 |
| Mike Parry | Republican |
Senate District 26 |
| Gen Olson | Republican |
Senate District 33 |
| Claire Robling | Republican |
Senate District 35 |
| Chris Gerlach | Republican |
Senate District 37 |
| Geoff Michel | Republican |
Senate District 41 |
| Mike Jungbauer | Republican |
Senate District 48 |
| Ray Vandeveer | Republican |
Senate District 53 |
| Linda Higgins | Republican |
Senate District 58 |
| Ken Kelash | Democratic |
Senate District 63 |
| Mary Jo McGuire | Democratic |
Senate District 66 |
| John Harrington | Democratic |
Senate District 67 |
Campaign contributions
This chart shows how many candidates ran for state senate in Minnesota in past years and the cumulative amount of campaign contributions in state senate races, including contributions in both primary and general election contests. All figures come from Follow The Money.[1]
| Year | Number of candidates | Total contributions |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 160 | $5,109,415 |
| 2006 | 152 | $5,999,082 |
| 2002 | 175 | $5,317,916 |
In 2010, the candidates for state house raised a total of $5,109,415 in campaign contributions. The top 10 donors were:[2]
| Donor | Amount |
|---|---|
| Public Fund | $866,745 |
| Public Fund | $559,372 |
| Housley, Karin | $39,555 |
| 6th Senate District Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party | $23,500 |
| Nelson Carla Jean House District 30A Cmte | $14,014 |
| Minnesota Telecom Alliance | $14,000 |
| Education Minnesota | $12,900 |
| Faegre & Benson | $11,900 |
| Minnesota Association of Realtors | $11,750 |
| Minnesota Dental Association | $11,600 |
Qualifications
To be eligible to run for the Minnesota State Senate in 2010, a candidate must be:[3]
- Eligible to vote in Minnesota
- Have not filed for more than one office for the upcoming primary or general election
- At least 21 years old by January 3, 2011
- A resident of Minnesota for at least one year
- A resident of the legislative district for at least 6 months before November 2, 2010
Impact of redistricting
- See also: Redistricting in Minnesota
The Minnesota Legislature drafts and passes redistricting plans as it does other pieces of legislation. Each chamber must form a redistricting committee. A joint committee, with two Democrats and two Republicans from each chamber, is also formed. The Governor of Minnesota has the power to veto any plan.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Minnesota's population grew from 4.92 million in 2000 to 5.30 million in 2010. The population density in 2010 was highest in the Twin Cities metropolitan area.[4]
The initial plan passed by the state legislature was vetoed by Governor Mark Dayton (D).[5]In his veto letter, Dayton said the districts in the bill were "too partisan, drawn for the purpose of defeating a disproportionate number of Democrats."[6]The final Senate plan was drawn by a panel appointed by the Minnesota Supreme Court; it paired 46 incumbents in the same district and created 23 open seats (these numbers include seats the state House and Senate).[7]
List of candidates
District 1
August 14 DFL primary:
- LeRoy Stumpf -
Incumbent Stumpf first assumed office in 1983.
- LeRoy Stumpf -
August 14 GOP primary:
- Jual Carlson: 589
- Steve Nordhagen: 1,574
November 6 General election candidates:
- LeRoy Stumpf: 22,298
- Steve Nordhagen: 14,475
District 2
- August 14 DFL primary:
- Rod Skoe -Incumbent Skoe first assumed office in 2003.
- Rod Skoe -
- August 14 GOP primary:
November 6 General election candidates:
- Rod Skoe: 21,269
- Dennis Moser: 17,423
District 3
- August 14 DFL primary:
- Thomas Bakk -Incumbent Bakk first assumed office in 2003.
- Thomas Bakk -
- August 14 GOP primary:
November 6 General election candidates:
- Thomas Bakk: 28,427
- Jennifer Havlick: 15,509
District 4
- August 14 DFL primary:
- August 14 GOP primary:
November 6 General election candidates:
- Kent Eken: 19,833
- Phil Hansen: 18,132
District 5
- August 14 DFL primary:
- Laverne H. Pederson: 1,518
- Tom Saxhaug: 3,981 -Incumbent Saxhaug first assumed office in 2003.
- August 14 GOP primary:
- John Carlson -Incumbent Carlson first assumed office in 2011.
- John Carlson -
November 6 General election candidates:
- Tom Saxhaug: 21,301
- John Carlson: 19,362
District 6
- August 14 DFL primary:
- David Tomassoni -Incumbent Tomassoni first assumed office in 2001.
- David Tomassoni -
- August 14 GOP primary:
November 6 General election candidates:
- David Tomassoni: 30,882
- Brandon D. Anderson: 12,220
District 7
- August 14 DFL primary:
- Roger Reinert -Incumbent Reinert first assumed office in 2011.
- Roger Reinert -
- August 14 GOP primary:
November 6 General election candidates:
- Roger Reinert: 32,684
- Tyler Verry: 9,621
District 8
- August 14 DFL primary:
- August 14 GOP primary:
- Bill Ingebrigtsen -Incumbent Ingebrigtsen first assumed office in 2007.
- Bill Ingebrigtsen -
November 6 General election candidates:
- Dan Skogen: 20,197
- Bill Ingebrigtsen: 22,693
District 9
Note: Incumbent Democrat Keith Langseth did not seek re-election.
- August 14 DFL primary:
- August 14 GOP primary:
- Paul Gazelka -Incumbent Gazelka first assumed office in 2011.
- Paul Gazelka -
November 6 General election candidates:
- Al Doty: 17,687
- Paul Gazelka: 20,527
District 10
Note: Incumbent Republican Gretchen Hoffman did not seek re-election.
- August 14 DFL primary:
- Anne Marcotte: 2,134
- Taylor Stevenson: 2,873
- August 14 GOP primary:
November 6 General election candidates:
- Taylor Stevenson: 19,490
- Carrie Ruud: 22,848
District 11
- August 14 DFL primary:
- Tony Lourey -Incumbent Lourey first assumed office in 2007.
- Tony Lourey -
- August 14 GOP primary:
November 6 General election candidates:
- Tony Lourey: 24,342
- Bill Saumer: 13,505
District 12
- August 14 DFL primary:
- August 14 GOP primary:
November 6 General election candidates:
- John Schultz: 15,801
- Torrey Westrom: 25,279
District 13
- August 14 DFL primary:
- August 14 GOP primary:
- Michelle Fischbach: 1,484 -Incumbent Fischbach first assumed office in 1996.
- Fadumo Yusuf: 160
- Michelle Fischbach: 1,484 -
November 6 General election candidates:
- Peggy Boeck: 14,871
- Michelle Fischbach: 26,015
District 14
- August 14 DFL primary:
- August 14 GOP primary:
- John Pederson -Incumbent Pederson first assumed office in 2011.
- John Pederson -
November 6 General election candidates:
- Jerry McCarter: 17,434
- John Pederson: 19,351
District 15
- August 14 DFL primary:
- Sally Knox: 1,183
- Ron Thiessen: 708
- Sally Knox: 1,183
- August 14 GOP primary:
- Dave Brown -Incumbent Brown first assumed office in 2011.
- Dave Brown -
November 6 General election candidates:
- Sally Knox: 16,787
- Dave Brown: 21,917
District 16
- August 14 DFL primary:
- August 14 GOP primary:
- Gary Dahms -Incumbent Dahms first assumed office in 2011.
- Gary Dahms -
November 6 General election candidates:
- Ted L. Suss: 18,496
- Gary Dahms: 20,922
District 17
- August 14 DFL primary:
- Lyle Koenen: 3,019 -Incumbent Koenen first assumed office in 2012.
- Larry D. Rice: 2,259
- Lyle Koenen: 3,019 -
- August 14 GOP primary:
- Joe Gimse -Incumbent Gimes first assumed office in 2007.
- Joe Gimse -
November 6 General election candidates:
- Lyle Koenen: 21,621
- Joe Gimse: 17,350
District 18
- August 14 DFL primary:
- August 14 GOP primary:
- Scott Newman -Incumbent Newman first assumed office in 2011.
- Scott Newman -
November 6 General election candidates:
- Steven Schiroo: 16,180
- Scott Newman: 22,556
District 19
Note: Incumbent Republican Amy Koch did not seek re-election.
- August 14 DFL primary:
- Kathy Sheran -Incumbent Sheran first assumed office in 2007.
- Kathy Sheran -
- August 14 GOP primary:
- No Republicans filed to run in this district.
November 6 General election candidates:
- Kathy Sheran: 33,291
District 20
- August 14 DFL primary:
- August 14 GOP primary:
- Mike Dudley: 2,590
- Gene Thomas Kornder: 400
- Mike Dudley: 2,590
November 6 General election candidates:
- Kevin L. Dahle: 20,628
- Mike Dudley: 20,550
District 21
- August 14 DFL primary:
- August 14 GOP primary:
- John Howe -Incumbent Howe first assumed office in 2011.
- John Howe -
November 6 General election candidates:
- Matt Schmit: 21,937
- John Howe: 19,846
District 22
Note: Incumbent Republican Doug Magnus did not seek re-election.
- August 14 DFL primary:
- August 14 GOP primary:
November 6 General election candidates:
- Alan Oberloh: 17,457
- Bill Weber: 19,548
District 23
- August 14 DFL primary:
- August 14 GOP primary:
- Julie Rosen -Incumbent Rosen first assumed office in 2003.
- Julie Rosen -
November 6 General election candidates:
- Paul Marquardt: 14,516
- Julie Rosen: 25,838
District 24
- August 14 DFL primary:
- August 14 GOP primary:
November 6 General election candidates:
- Vicki Jensen: 19,248
- Vern Swedin: 17,286
District 25
Note: Incumbent Republican Al DeKruif did not seek re-election.
- August 14 DFL primary:
- August 14 GOP primary:
- David Senjem -Incumbent Senjem first assumed office in 2003.
- David Senjem -
November 6 General election candidates:
- Judy Ohly: 19,149
- David Senjem: 22,299
District 26
Note: Incumbent Republican Mike Parry did not seek re-election.
- August 14 DFL primary:
- August 14 GOP primary:
- Carla Nelson -Incumbent Nelson first assumed office in 2011.
- Carla Nelson -
November 6 General election candidates:
- Kenneth Moen: 17,692
- Carla Nelson: 22,263
District 27
- August 14 DFL primary:
- Dan Sparks -Incumbent Sparks first assumed office in 2003.
- Dan Sparks -
- August 14 GOP primary:
November 6 General election candidates:
- Dan Sparks: 26,552
- Linden Anderson: 12,334
District 28
- August 14 DFL primary:
- August 14 GOP primary:
- Jeremy Miller -Incumbent Miller first assumed office in 2011.
- Jeremy Miller -
November 6 General election candidates:
- Jack Krage: 17,303
- Jeremy Miller: 23,122
District 29
Note: Open seat
- August 14 DFL primary:
- August 14 GOP primary:
November 6 General election candidates:
- Brian Doran: 15,867
- Bruce Anderson: 24,486
District 30
Note: Open seat
- August 14 DFL primary:
- August 14 GOP primary:
- Paul Bolin: 586
- Mary Kiffmeyer: 1,620
November 6 General election candidates:
- Paul Perovich: 15,125
- Mary Kiffmeyer: 25,205
District 31
- August 14 DFL primary:
- August 14 GOP primary:
- Michelle Benson -Incumbent Benson first assumed office in 2011.
- Michelle Benson -
November 6 General election candidates:
- Mike Starr: 17,423
- Michelle Benson: 24,774
District 32
- August 14 DFL primary:
- August 14 GOP primary:
- Sean Nienow -Incumbent Nienow first assumed office in 2011.
- Sean Nienow -
November 6 General election candidates:
- Jeske Noordergraaf: 18,450
- Sean Nienow: 21,955
District 33
Note: Incumbent Republican Gen Olson did not seek re-election.
- August 14 DFL primary:
- August 14 GOP primary:
- Connie Doepke: 2,778
- David Osmek: 2,885
November 6 General election candidates:
- Judy Rogosheske: 19,547
- David Osmek: 28,195
District 34
- August 14 DFL primary:
- August 14 GOP primary:
- Warren Limmer -Incumbent Limmer first assumed office in 1995.
- Warren Limmer -
November 6 General election candidates:
- Sharon Bahensky: 19,406
- Warren Limmer: 25,847
District 35
Note: Incumbent Republican Claire Robling did not seek re-election.
- August 14 DFL primary:
- August 14 GOP primary:
November 6 General election candidates:
- Peter Perovich: 19,253
- Branden Petersen: 22,874
District 36
- August 14 DFL primary:
- August 14 GOP primary:
- Benjamin Kruse -Incumbent Kruse first assumed office in 2011.
- Benjamin Kruse -
November 6 General election candidates:
- John Hoffman: 22,194
- Benjamin Kruse: 19,522
District 37
Note: Incumbent Republican Chris Gerlach did not seek re-election.
- August 14 DFL primary:
- August 14 GOP primary:
- Pam Wolf -Incumbent Wolf first assumed office in 2011.
- Pam Wolf -
November 6 General election candidates:
- Alice M. Johnson: 22,814
- Pam Wolf: 19,962
District 38
- August 14 DFL primary:
- August 14 GOP primary:
- Roger Chamberlain -Incumbent Chamberlain first assumed office in 2011.
- Roger Chamberlain -
November 6 General election candidates:
- Timothy Henderson: 20,849
- Roger Chamberlain: 23,817
District 39
- August 14 DFL primary:
- Julie Bunn -Bunn was a member of the House from 2007 - 2011.
- Julie Bunn -
- August 14 GOP primary:
- Karin Housley: 1,941
- Eric Michael Langness: 945
- Karin Housley: 1,941
November 6 General election candidates:
- Julie Bunn: 22,754
- Karin Housley: 23,385
District 40
- August 14 DFL primary:
- Chris Eaton: 2,005 -Incumbent Eaton first assumed office in 2011.
- Timothy A. Davis, Sr.: 470
- Chris Eaton: 2,005 -
- August 14 GOP primary:
- No Republicans filed to run in this district.
November 6 General election candidates:
- Chris Eaton: 25,165
District 41
Note: Incumbent Republican Geoff Michel did not seek re-election.
- August 14 DFL primary:
- Barb Goodwin -Incumbent Goodwin first assumed office in 2011.
- Barb Goodwin -
- August 14 GOP primary:
November 6 General election candidates:
- Barb Goodwin: 25,842
- Gina Bauman: 15,200
District 42
- August 14 DFL primary:
- August 14 GOP primary:
November 6 General election candidates:
- Bev Scalze: 25,607
- April King: 20,400
District 43
- August 14 DFL primary:
- Charles Wiger -Incumbent Wiger first assumed office in 1997.
- Charles Wiger -
- August 14 GOP primary:
November 6 General election candidates:
- Charles Wiger: 26,767
- Duane E. (Swede) Johnson: 16,137
District 44
- August 14 DFL primary:
- Terri Bonoff -Incumbent Bonoff first assumed office in 2005.
- Terri Bonoff -
- August 14 GOP primary:
November 6 General election candidates:
- Terri Bonoff: 27,203
- David Gaither: 21,464
District 45
- August 14 DFL primary:
- Ann Rest -Incumbent Rest first assumed office in 2001.
- Ann Rest -
- August 14 GOP primary:
- Timothy Hall: 821
- Blair Tremere: 978
November 6 General election candidates:
- Ann Rest: 28,755
- Blair Tremere: 14,680
District 46
- August 14 DFL primary:
- Ron Latz -Incumbent Latz first assumed office in 2007.
- Ron Latz -
- August 14 GOP primary:
- Roger W. Champagne: 420
- Paul Scofield: 544
November 6 General election candidates:
- Ron Latz: 29,755
- Paul Scofield: 15,297
District 47
- August 14 DFL primary:
- August 14 GOP primary:
- Julianne Ortman: 2,114 -Incumbent Ortman first assumed office in 2003.
- Bruce R. Schwichtenberg: 1,504
- Julianne Ortman: 2,114 -
November 6 General election candidates:
- James F. Weygand: 15,297
- Julianne Ortman: 27,128
District 48
Note: Incumbent Republican Mike Jungbauer did not seek re-election.
- August 14 DFL primary:
- August 14 GOP primary:
- David Hann -Incumbent Hann first assumed office in 2003.
- David Hann -
November 6 General election candidates:
- Laurie McKendry: 22,459
- David Hann: 23,730
District 49
- August 14 DFL primary:
- August 14 GOP primary:
November 6 General election candidates:
- Melisa Franzen: 26,893
- Keith Downey: 24,045
District 50
- August 14 DFL primary:
- August 14 GOP primary:
November 6 General election candidates:
- Melissa Halvorson Wiklund: 25,300
- Vern Wilcox: 16,193
District 51
- August 14 DFL primary:
- August 14 GOP primary:
- Ted Daley -Incumbent Daley first assumed office in 2011.
- Ted Daley -
November 6 General election candidates:
- Jim Carlson: 23,969
- Ted Daley: 21,096
District 52
Note: Incumbent Republican Ray Vandeveer did not seek re-election.
- August 14 DFL primary:
- James Metzen -Incumbent Metzen first assumed office in 1987.
- James Metzen -
- August 14 GOP primary:
November 6 General election candidates:
- James Metzen: 27,149
- Dwight Rabuse: 16,542
District 53
- August 14 DFL primary:
- August 14 GOP primary:
- Ted Lillie -Incumbent Lillie first assumed office in 2011.
- Ted Lillie -
November 6 General election candidates:
- Susan Kent: 22,781
- Ted Lillie: 20,857
District 54
- August 14 DFL primary:
- Katie Sieben -Incumbent Sieben first assumed office in 2007.
- Katie Sieben -
- August 14 GOP primary:
November 6 General election candidates:
- Katie Sieben: 26,998
- Janis Quinlan: 15,256
District 55
- August 14 DFL primary:
- Kathy Busch: 1,059
- Josh D. Ondich: 151
- Kathy Busch: 1,059
- August 14 GOP primary:
November 6 General election candidates:
- Kathy Busch: 18,070
- Eric Pratt: 22,254
District 56
- August 14 DFL primary:
- August 14 GOP primary:
- Dan Hall -Incumbent Hall first assumed office in 2011.
- Dan Hall -
November 6 General election candidates:
- Leon Thurman: 18,922
- Dan Hall: 22,226
District 57
- August 14 DFL primary:
- Greg Clausen: 1,456
- Mike Germain: 395
- Greg Clausen: 1,456
- August 14 GOP primary:
November 6 General election candidates:
- Greg Clausen: 23,890
- Pat Hall: 20,199
District 58
Note: Incumbent Democrat Linda Higgins did not seek re-election.
- August 14 DFL primary:
- August 14 GOP primary:
- Dave Thompson -Incumbent Thompson first assumed office in 2011.
- Dave Thompson -
November 6 General election candidates:
- Andrew Brobston: 17,686
- Dave Thompson: 24,097
District 59
Note: Open seat
- August 14 DFL primary:
- August 14 GOP primary:
November 6 General election candidates:
- Bobby Joe Champion: 28,441
- Jim Lilly: 6,082
District 60
- August 14 DFL primary:
- Kari Dziedzic -Incumbent Dziedzic first assumed office in 2012.
- Kari Dziedzic -
- August 14 GOP primary:
August 14 Independence Party primary:
November 6 General election candidates:
- Kari Dziedzic: 29,014
- Mark Lazarchic: 6,400
- Rahn V. Workcuff: 2,077
District 61
- August 14 DFL primary:
- Scott Dibble -Incumbent Dibble first assumed office in 2003.
- Scott Dibble -
- August 14 GOP primary:
- No Republicans filed to run in this district.
November 6 General election candidates:
- Scott Dibble: 41,075
District 62
- August 14 DFL primary:
- Jeff Hayden -Incumbent Hayden first assumed office in 2011.
- Jeff Hayden -
- August 14 GOP primary:
- No Republicans filed to run in this district.
- August 14 Independence Party primary:
November 6 General election candidates:
- Jeff Hayden: 27,516
- Eric Blair: 4,025
District 63
Note: Incumbent Democrat Ken Kelash did not seek re-election.
- August 14 DFL primary:
- Patricia Torres Ray -Incumbent Ray first assumed office in 2007.
- Patricia Torres Ray -
- August 14 GOP primary:
November 6 General election candidates:
- Patricia Torres Ray: 36,866
- Patrick Marron: 8,636
District 64
- August 14 DFL primary:
- Dick Cohen: 5,797 -Incumbent Cohen first assumed office in 1987.
- Alexander H. Jeffries: 685
- Dick Cohen: 5,797 -
- August 14 GOP primary:
Independent candidates:
November 6 General election candidates:
- Dick Cohen: 33,008
- Sharon Anderson: 9,068
- Scott Larson: 5,196
District 65
- August 14 DFL primary:
- Sandra Pappas: 2,505 -Incumbent Pappas first assumed office in 1991.
- Marcus Walker: 756
- Sandra Pappas: 2,505 -
- August 14 GOP primary:
November 6 General election candidates:
- Sandra Pappas: 27,365
- Rick Karschnia: 5,998
District 66
Note: Incumbent Democrat Mary Jo McGuire did not seek re-election.
- August 14 DFL primary:
- John Marty -Incumbent Marty first assumed office in 1987.
- John Marty -
- August 14 GOP primary:
November 6 General election candidates:
- John Marty: 27,735
- Wayde Brooks: 9,718
District 67
Note: Incumbent Democrat John Harrington did not seek re-election.
- August 14 DFL primary:
- Tom Dimond: 806
- Foung Hawj: 2,142
- Robert Humphrey: 1,897
- August 14 GOP primary:
November 6 General election candidates:
- Foung Hawj: 21,630
- Mike Capistrant: 8,094
External links
- Minnesota Secretary of State - Official 2012 Primary Results
- Minnesota Secretary of State - 2012 General Election Candidates
See also
Footnotes
- ↑ Follow the Money, Minnesota
- ↑ Follow the Money: "Minnesota Senate 2010 Campaign Contributions"
- ↑ 2010 Guide for Candidates
- ↑ U.S. Census, "2010 Census: Minnesota Profile," accessed September 5, 2012
- ↑ Minnesota Public Radio, "Dayton vetoes redistricting bill," May 19, 2011
- ↑ [chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://minnesota.publicradio.org/documents/news/2011/05/redistricting-veto.pdf State of Minnesota, "Governor Mark Dayton's veto letter," accessed April 23, 2024]
- ↑ Pioneer Press, "New redistricting maps reshuffle Minnesota’s political landscape," accessed April 23, 2024
