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/.