Rarick Victory Means Another Special Election

Published

For the first time in 22 years, the Minnesota senator representing District III will not be named Lourey, after Republican Jason Rarick defeated Democrat Stu Lourey in a February 5 special election.

Stu Lourey sought to succeed his father Tony and grandmother Becky as District 11 senator but lost by almost 1,000 votes or 6 percentage points. Rarick received 8,127 votes to 7,171 for Lourey, 298 for John “Sparky“ Birrenbach of the Legal Marijuana Now party, and 27 write-ins.

The special election was called when Stu's father Tony was appointed Commissioner of Human Services for the state.

Since Rarick had been serving in the House representing District 11B, a special election will be held March 19 for Rarick's House seat. House District 11B represents most of Pine County and eastern Kanabec County.

Since two Republicans — Nathan Nelson and Ayrlahn Johnson — filed to replace Rarick, a primary will be held March 5. Tim Burkhardt, who ran against Rarick in the House election last fall, will represent the Democrat-Farmer-Labor (DFL) party. Rarick defeated Burkhardt in that race 9,147 to 6,166.

Polls will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. for both the March 5 primary and the March 19 special election.
In Minnesota, you can register or update your registration at your polling place on Election Day with a Minnesota driver's license or Tribal ID.

The Government Affairs Department will once again host election-day events and provide rides to the polls. Please watch Facebook for details as Election Day approaches.

For more information, see the Minnesota Secretary of State's website at https://www.sos.state.mn.us/elections-voting/.