The results are (unofficially) in for the 2018 midterm primaries

Supporters of Irene Fernando's campaign watched and waited for election returns at The Living Room (1716 Glendale Ave). Photo by Cirien Saadeh

Supporters of Irene Fernando's campaign watched and waited for election returns at The Living Room (1716 Glendale Ave). Photo by Cirien Saadeh

By Kenzie O’Keefe | Editor

Voter turnout in Minneapolis for yesterday’s midterm primary election was the highest it has been, in the city, since 1970. 93,534 people voted; 16% of them voted early. According to Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon, the statewide total of voters for yesterday's primaries was 902,119 people or 22.7% of the state's population, the highest it has been, percentage-wise, since 1994. 

The high turnout trend was true for North Minneapolis too, where voter turnout is typically among the lowest in the city. For example, in the 2016 primary, 3,008 votes (both DFL and Republican) were cast for the State Representative District 59A seat. In yesterday’s election, 4,869 people voted on that seat. Part of the higher turnout is credited to no-excuses early voting which was legalized in 2014 and the ease of  Minnesota's same-day voter registration system. 

Last night’s DFL, Republican, and non partisan race winners are listed below. These are the candidates that will face off in the November election. These results from the Secretary of State are technically unofficial. Results will become official on Friday at 1pm when they are certified by the canvassing board. For more details, visit:

Here is who you can expect to see on the ballot in November:

MPS School Board Member At-Large:

  • Kimberly Caprini 
  • Rebecca Gagnon
  • Josh Pauly
  • Sharon El - Amin

Hennepin County Commissioner, District 2

  • Irene Fernando

  • Blong Yang

Hennepin County Sheriff:

  • Rich Stanek
  • David Hutch

State Representative, District 59A

  • Fue Lee (DFL)
  • Fred Statema (GOP)

State Representative, District 59B

  • Raymond Dehn (DFL)
  • Lacy Johnson (GOP)

This DFL primary was particularly close. Political newcomer Lisa Neal-Delgado lost to Dehn by just 328 votes. 6,306 votes were cast. 

US Representative, District 5

  • Ilhan Omar (DFL)
  • Jennifer Zielinski (GOP)

Attorney General

  • Keith Ellison (DFL)
  • Doug Wardlow (GOP)

MN Governor & Lt. Governor

  • Tim Walz and Peggy Flanagan (DFL)
  • Jeff Johnson and Donna Bergstrom (GOP)

US Senate Races

  • Amy Klobuchar (DFL) vs. Jim Newberger (GOP)
  • Karin Housley (GOP) vs. Tina Smith (DFL)

The original version of this article failed to mention two of the school board candidates you will see on the ballot in November. 

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