2018_United_States_Senate_special_election_in_Minnesota

2018 United States Senate special election in Minnesota

2018 United States Senate special election in Minnesota

Special election of Minnesota's Class 2 senator in the United States Senate

For related races, see 2018 United States Senate elections. For the other Senate election in Minnesota held in parallel, see 2018 United States Senate election in Minnesota.

The 2018 United States Senate special election in Minnesota took place on November 6, 2018, to elect a United States senator from Minnesota to replace incumbent Democratic senator Al Franken until the regular expiration of the term on January 3, 2021. Facing multiple accusations of sexual misconduct, Franken announced on December 7, 2017, that he would resign effective January 2, 2018. Governor Mark Dayton appointed Franken's successor, Tina Smith, on December 13, 2017, and she ran in the special election. This election coincided with a regularly scheduled U.S. Senate election for the Class 1 Senate seat, U.S. House elections, a gubernatorial election, State House elections, and other elections.

Quick Facts Turnout, Nominee ...

The candidate filing deadline was June 5, 2018, and the primary election was held on August 14, 2018.[1] Smith won the Democratic primary and defeated Republican nominee Karin Housley in the general election.

DFL primary

Candidates

Nominated

Eliminated in primary

Declined

Endorsements

Richard Painter
Local and state politicians
Individuals

Results

county
Results by county
Map legend
  •   Smith—80–90%
  •   Smith—70–80%
  •   Smith—60–70%
  •   Smith—50–60%
congressional district
Results by congressional district
Map legend
  •   Smith—70–80%
More information Party, Candidate ...

Republican primary

Candidates

Nominated

Eliminated in primary

  • Bob Anderson, businessman[15]
  • Nikolay Nikolayevich Bey[3]

Declined

Endorsements

Results

Results by county
Map legend
  •   Housley—70–80%
  •   Housley—60–70%
  •   Housley—50–60%
  •   Housley—40–50%
  •   Housley/Anderson tie—40–50%
  •   Anderson—40–50%
  •   Anderson—50–60%
Results by congressional district
Map legend
  •   Housley—70–80%
  •   Housley—60–70%
  •   Housley—50–60%
More information Party, Candidate ...

Minor parties and independents

Candidates

General election

Predictions

More information Source, Ranking ...

^Highest rating given

Endorsements

Karin Housley (R)
U.S. Executive Branch officials
U.S. Senators
U.S. Representatives
State legislators
Individuals
Organizations
Newspapers
Tina Smith (D)
Former U.S. Executive Branch officials
U.S. Senators
U.S. Representatives
State and local politicians
Individuals
Labor unions
Organizations
Newspapers and news websites

Fundraising

More information Campaign finance reports as of October 17, 2018, Candidate (party) ...

Polling

More information Poll source, Date(s) administered ...
More information Poll source, Date(s) administered ...
More information Poll source, Date(s) administered ...
Hypothetical polling

Results

Smith won the election by 10.62 percentage points. Her margin was similar to that of Democratic gubernatorial nominee Tim Walz, who defeated his Republican opponent by 11.41%. Both of those margins of victory were much smaller than that of senior Senator Amy Klobuchar, who on the same day defeated her Republican opponent by 24.1 points. Smith won by huge margins in the Democratic strongholds of Hennepin County and Ramsey County, home of Minneapolis and St. Paul respectively. She also managed a 10% margin of victory in suburban Dakota County, just outside Minneapolis, and won St. Louis County, home of Duluth. Housley won most of the state's rural areas. Turnout was high for a midterm election, with over 63% of registered voters in Minnesota casting ballots.

Results by precinct
Map legend
  •   Smith—40–50%
  •   Smith—50–60%
  •   Smith—60–70%
  •   Smith—70–80%
  •   Smith—80–90%
  •   Smith—90–100%
  •   Housley–40–50%
  •   Housley–50–60%
  •   Housley–60–70%
  •   Housley–70–80%
  •   Housley–80–90%
  •   Housley–90–100%
  •   No Vote
More information Party, Candidate ...

Counties that flipped from Democratic to Republican

By congressional district

Smith won four of Minnesota's eight congressional districts. Housley won the other four, including one that elected a Democrat.[102]

More information District, Smith ...

Voter demographics

More information Demographic subgroup, Smith ...

See also

Notes

  1. In December 2017, Smith was appointed by Governor Mark Dayton to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Senator Al Franken.

References

  1. [1]
    "United States Senate special election in Minnesota, 2018 – Ballotpedia". Retrieved March 3, 2017.
  2. [2]
    Domonoske, Camila (December 13, 2017). "Minnesota Lt. Gov. Tina Smith Will Replace Al Franken in U.S. Senate". NPR. Retrieved December 13, 2017.
  3. [3]
    "Candidate Filings". candidates.sos.state.mn.us. Retrieved June 8, 2018.
  4. [4]
    Magan, Christopher (February 5, 2018). "Fellow Democrat Nick Leonard to challenge Tina Smith for Senate seat". St. Paul Pioneer Press. Retrieved February 6, 2018.
  5. [5]
    Keen, Judy (April 30, 2018). "Richard Painter exits GOP, launches bid against DFL Sen. Tina Smith". Star Tribune. Retrieved May 1, 2018.
  6. [6]
    Bakst, Brian (December 8, 2017). "Senate vacancy creates opportunity, complications galore". Minnesota Public Radio. Retrieved December 13, 2017.
  7. [7]
    Coolican, J. Patrick (December 13, 2017). "Rep. Keith Ellison won't run for U.S. Senate in '18". Star Tribune. Retrieved December 13, 2017.
  8. [8]
    Potter, Kyle (December 14, 2017). "Minnesota Democrats aim to clear Smith's path for 2018 bid". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on December 15, 2017. Retrieved December 14, 2017.
  9. [9]
    Pathé, Simone (December 6, 2017). "What Happens to Franken's Seat If He Resigns?". Roll Call. Retrieved December 13, 2017.
  10. [10]
    Allen, Jonathan (December 7, 2017). "Franken exit could be game-changer for control of Senate". NBC News. Retrieved December 7, 2017.
  11. [11]
    "Former Gov. Arne Carlson Endorses Painter's Democratic Senate Run". CBS Minnesota. May 7, 2018.
  12. [12]
    "I contributed to the fight for our democracy by donating to the Richard Painter campaign! #PeopleForPainter #CountryOverParty". Twitter. Rosie O'Donnell. April 28, 2018.
  13. [13]
    "Minnesota 2018 Primary Election Results". Minnesota Secretary of State. Archived from the original on February 12, 2019. Retrieved May 28, 2019.
  14. [14]
    Orrick, Dave (December 19, 2017). "Washington County Republican Karin Housley wants Al Franken's Senate seat". St. Paul Pioneer Press. Retrieved December 19, 2017.
  15. [15]
    Pugmire, Tim (January 17, 2018). "Second GOP candidate seeks to unseat Smith". Minnesota Public Radio. Retrieved January 25, 2018.
  16. [16]
    Pugmire, Tim (December 7, 2017). "As Dayton weighs Franken replacement, who may run in 2018?". Minnesota Public Radio. Retrieved December 7, 2017.
  17. [17]
    Carney, Jordain (January 2, 2018). "Bachmann considering running for Franken's seat". The Hill.
  18. [18]
    Coolican, J. Patrick (December 9, 2017). "Minnesota's 2018 special Senate election for Al Franken's seat sets up seismic political shift". Star Tribune. Retrieved December 13, 2017.
  19. [19]
    Potter, Kyle. "NEW: Former Sen. Norm Coleman says on his personal Facebook he won't run for Franken's #mnsen seat in 2018pic.twitter.com/dktnkRzoMs".
  20. [20]
    "Emmer will seek re-election in 6th Congressional District". ABC Newspapers. January 18, 2018.
  21. [21]
    "Minnesota Republicans are chattering about who will run for Franken's Senate seat in 2018". December 8, 2017.
  22. [22]
    McCullough, Kevin. "Should @realMikeLindell step forward as the next Senator of Minnesota?". Twitter.
  23. [23]
    McCullough, Kevin. "Will @RealMikeLindell run for U.S. Senate from Minnesota?". Twitter.
  24. [24]
    Potter, Kyle (December 21, 2017). "Tim Pawlenty eyes return to national stage — but in a new GOP era". Twin Cities Pioneer Press.
  25. [25]
    "Pawlenty opts against senate run on Fox News". Politico. January 16, 2018.
  26. [26]
    Coolican, J. Patrick (April 16, 2018). "Controversial developer Jerry Trooien running for U.S. Senate as independent". Star Tribune. Retrieved June 12, 2018.
  27. [27]
    Golden, Erin (June 16, 2018). "Legal pot advocates join Minnesota races for state, federal offices". Star Tribune. Retrieved June 17, 2018.
  28. [28]
    "2018 Senate Race Ratings for October 26, 2018". The Cook Political Report. Retrieved March 13, 2021.
  29. [29]
    "2018 Senate Ratings". The Rothenberg Political Report. Retrieved March 13, 2021.
  30. [30]
    "Larry J. Sabato's Crystal Ball » 2018 Ratings Changes". www.centerforpolitics.org.
  31. [31]
    "2018 Senate Power Rankings". Fox News. Retrieved July 10, 2018.
  32. [32]
    "Key Races: Senate". Retrieved July 15, 2018.
  33. [33]
    "Battle for the Senate 2018". Retrieved July 15, 2018.
  34. [34]
    Smith, Kelly (August 30, 2018). "Vice President Mike Pence honors McCain in American Legion event in Minneapolis after White House controversy". Star Tribune.
  35. [35]
    "Dr. Condoleezza Rice endorses Karin Housley for U.S. Senate". housleyforsenate.com. Archived from the original on November 1, 2018. Retrieved October 31, 2018.
  36. [36]
    Donald J. Trump. "Just made my second stop in Minnesota for a MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN rally. We need to elect @KarinHousley to the U.S. Senate, and we need the strong leadership of @TomEmmer, @Jason2CD, @JimHagedornMN and @PeteStauber in the U.S. House!". Twitter.
  37. [37]
    "Karin Housley for U.S. Senate announces grassroots team". May 22, 2018. Archived from the original on October 6, 2018. Retrieved August 22, 2018.
  38. [38]
    "Former Sen. Norm Coleman Endorses Karin Housley For Franken's Seat". February 8, 2018. Retrieved April 3, 2018.
  39. [39]
    "Iowa Senator Ernst Campaigning In Minnesota For Housley". Voice of Alexandria. September 11, 2018.
  40. [40]
    "David Perdue aims to shore up embattled Senate candidates". August 24, 2018. Retrieved August 24, 2018.
  41. [41]
    Marco Rubio. "Proud to be in #Minnesota this morning helping to elect their next Senator @KarinHousley". Twitter.
  42. [42]
    "Karin Housley for U.S. Senate". www.facebook.com. Retrieved April 3, 2018.
  43. [43]
    "Karin Housley for U.S. Senate". housleyforsenate.com. Retrieved August 24, 2018.[permanent dead link]
  44. [44]
    "Karin Housley on Twitter". Retrieved April 3, 2018.
  45. [45]
    Phil Housley. "My wife @KarinHousley will make a great US Senator!". Twitter.
  46. [46]
    Karin Housley. "I am so pleased to have the endorsement of @maggieslist1—joining so many other conservative women across the country running for office to fight for the communities we love. #mnsen". Twitter.
  47. [47]
    "Karin Housley endorsed for U.S. Senate by MCCL Federal PAC, NRL PAC, SBA List". Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life. March 27, 2018. Archived from the original on April 23, 2018. Retrieved April 22, 2018.
  48. [48]
    "Minnesota Fraternal Order of Police endorses Karin Housley for U.S. Senate". housleyforsenate.com. September 13, 2018. Archived from the original on September 14, 2018. Retrieved September 14, 2018.
  49. [49]
    "Karin Housley endorsed by National Cattlemen's Beef Association". housleyforsenate.com. September 20, 2018. Archived from the original on September 22, 2018. Retrieved September 21, 2018.
  50. [50]
    "Small Business Endorses Karin Housley for U.S. Senate". NFIB. September 19, 2018.
  51. [51]
    "National Right to Life endorses Karin Housley in Minnesota's Senate Special Election". National Right to Life News Today. March 27, 2018.
  52. [52]
    "Newberger, Housley win GOP endorsement for Senate races". FOX 9. June 1, 2018.
  53. [53]
    "Susan B. Anthony List Endorses Karin Housley for U.S. Senate in MN Special Election". Susan B. Anthony List. March 27, 2018.
  54. [54]
    Karin Housley. "Police Officers Federation of Minneapolis endorses Karin Housley". Facebook.
  55. [55]
    "U.S. Chamber of Commerce endorses Karin Housley". housleyforsenate.com. Archived from the original on October 11, 2018. Retrieved October 11, 2018.
  56. [56]
    "Our View / Endorsement: Housley offers a bit of balance". Duluth News Tribune. October 24, 2018. Retrieved October 25, 2018.
  57. [57]
    "Senate special election: Housley would do well". Fairmont Sentinel. October 25, 2018. Retrieved October 25, 2018.
  58. [58]
    Tina Smith. "I'm absolutely honored to have the endorsement of Vice President @JoeBiden. I've been fighting for the progressive values of Minnesotans for decades and I'll keep being the champion of our shared values VP Biden fought so hard for". Twitter.
  59. [59]
    Hillary Clinton. ".@TinaSmithMN shares some qualities with her wonderful home state: hardworking, no-nonsense, huge heart. She's in a tight race to keep working for Minnesota families in a race that could decide control of the Senate. Pitch in if you can". Twitter.
  60. [60]
    "MN-Sen: Walter Mondale Helps Both Minnesota's Senators Keep Up The Resistance Against Trump". Daily Kos. April 19, 2018.
  61. [61]
    Barack Obama. "Today, I'm proud to endorse even more Democratic candidates who aren't just running against something, but for something—to expand opportunity for all of us and to restore dignity, honor, and compassion to public service. They deserve your vote". Twitter.
  62. [62]
    Tina Smith. "So fun to run into my friend @tammybaldwin on the campaign trail today! We're fighting as hard as we can to stay in the Senate and make sure the people of Minnesota and Wisconsin have strong voices representing them in Washington". Twitter.
  63. [63]
    Catherine Cortez Mastro. ".@TinaSmithMN has one of the toughest Senate races. I was on the ground recently with @amyklobuchar & @CecileRichards fighting for Tina". Twitter.
  64. [64]
    "MN, PA & MT-Sen: Dick Durbin (D. IL) Helps These Democrats Fight Back Against Trump's Agenda". Daily Kos. May 31, 2018.
  65. [65]
    "MN-Sen: Sen. Kamala Harris (D. CA) Gives Tina Smith (D) A Boost To Win Her Special Election". Daily Kos. June 25, 2018.
  66. [66]
    "MN-Sen: Sen. Maggie Hassan (D. NH) Helps Tina Smith (D) Get Ready To Defeat Michelle Bachmann (R)". Daily Kos. January 18, 2018.
  67. [67]
    Jones sent out an email to supporters soliciting donations to Smith.
  68. [68]
    "MN-Sen: Amy Klobuchar (D) Helps Tina "The Velvet Hammer" Smith (D) Get Ready For Victory". Daily Kos. March 6, 2018.
  69. [69]
    "MI & MN-Sen: Jeff Merkley (D. OR) Helps His Stabenow (D) & Smith (D) Keep Up The Resistance". Daily Kos. June 26, 2018.
  70. [70]
    "MI, IN, WI, MN, OH & PA-Sen: Sen. Gary Peters (D. MI) Helps Senate Dems Win Big In The Midwest". Daily Kos. February 28, 2018.
  71. [71]
    "MN-Sen: Sen. Brian Schatz (D. HI) Helps Fellow Progressive Tina Smith (D) Win Her Special Election". Daily Kos. March 11, 2018.
  72. [72]
    "OH, WI, PA & MN-Sen: Warren (D. MA) Helps These Dems Continue To Stand Up To Wall Street". Daily Kos. March 9, 2018.
  73. [73]
    Robillard, Kevin; Severns, Maggie (December 13, 2017). "Minnesota governor names Lt. Gov. Tina Smith as Franken replacement". Politico. Retrieved December 13, 2017.
  74. [74]
    Brodey, Sam (December 14, 2017). "Why Minnesota's Democratic House delegation unanimously supports Tina Smith for Senate in 2018". MinnPost. Retrieved December 14, 2017.
  75. [75]
    Tina Smith. "Folks have been knocking on doors every day, all day, to get people out to vote on (& before!) November 6. We can't take anything for granted – but we're feeling fired up. Thanks to @JeffMerkley @melvincarter3 @VoteBetty & @TristaMatas for greeting DFL volunteers this afternoon!". Twitter.
  76. [76]
    Peggy Flanagan. "I've always had fight & fury in me but I've got it like never before and I'm so thankful we have leaders like Tina in DC right now. I'm standing here running for Lt. Governor because of Tina Smith. Because of the path she cleared. I'm grateful for her friendship & her mentorship". Twitter.
  77. [77]
    Eric Garcetti. ""People are so sick and tired of the political games being played in DC. That's why I'm focused on listening and getting things done for Minnesotans!" — @TinaSmithMN. I'm rooting her on today (and for the next 16 days & beyond). #EGinMN". Twitter.
  78. [78]
    Tina Smith. "In 11 days, @CecileRichards and I need everyone – and I mean everyone – to get to their polling place to vote. Vote for reproductive freedom. Vote for access to affordable high-quality health care. We are responsible for the outcome of this election. With your help, we will win". Twitter.
  79. [79]
    Munt, Jennifer (December 13, 2017). "AFSCME Backs Tina Smith for U.S. Senate". AFSCME Council 5. Archived from the original on April 12, 2018. Retrieved April 12, 2018.
  80. [80]
    "Our Candidates – CWA Political". CWA Political. Archived from the original on April 3, 2018. Retrieved April 27, 2018.
  81. [81]
    "State and federal endorsements". Education Minnesota.
  82. [82]
    "Minnesota AFL-CIO makes first round of 2018 political endorsements | Minnesota AFL-CIO". www.mnaflcio.org. March 6, 2018.
  83. [83]
    "SEIU Endorse Tina Smith, Angie Craig, Keith Ellison and Betty McCollum". seiumn.org. March 9, 2018.
  84. [84]
    "Minnesota – Official UAW Endorsements". uawendorsements.org. United Automobile Workers.
  85. [85]
    "USW Lauds Appointment of Tina Smith to U.S. Senate". United Steelworkers. December 14, 2017. Smith has indicated that she will also run in the November 2018 election to fill the remaining two years of the term, and the USW has promised to provide strong support to her campaign.
  86. [86]
    "2018 Council-endorsed Senate Candidates – Council for a Livable World". Council for a Livable World.
  87. [87]
    "Emily's List endorses Tina Smith for U.S. Senate in Minnesota". Emily's List. January 4, 2018.
  88. [88]
    "Tina Smith – Feminist Majority PAC". feministmajoritypac.org.
  89. [89]
    Griffin, Chad (March 28, 2018). "Human Rights Campaign Endorses Tina Smith for U.S. Senate in Minnesota". Human Rights Campaign.
  90. [90]
    Auster, Craig (April 10, 2018). "LCV Action Fund Endorses Tina Smith for Senate". League of Conservation Voters.
  91. [91]
    Davis, Don (June 1, 2018). "Minnesota Democrats endorse Smith, Klobuchar". Duluth News Tribune.
  92. [92]
    "NARAL Pro-Choice America PAC Endorses Tina Smith for Senate in Minnesota – NARAL Pro-Choice America". NARAL Pro-Choice America. March 8, 2018.
  93. [93]
    NCPSSM. "Candidates We Endorse and Support". Retrieved December 18, 2018.
  94. [94]
    Curtis, Kevin (June 1, 2018). "NRDC Action Fund : NRDC Action Fund endorses Sen. Tina Smith". www.nrdcactionfund.org. Archived from the original on June 12, 2018. Retrieved June 8, 2018.
  95. [95]
    "Population Connection Action Fund Endorsements". Population Connection. Archived from the original on April 5, 2018. Retrieved October 27, 2018.
  96. [96]
    "Our View / Endorsement: It's Smith in crowded Senate primary". News Tribune Editorial Board. Duluth News Tribune. July 25, 2018.
  97. [97]
    "Campaign finance data". Retrieved October 31, 2018.
  98. [98]
    Jerry Trooien (I) with 2%
  99. [99]
    Jerry Trooien (I) with 1%
  100. [100]
    Jerry Trooien (I) with 0%
  101. [101]
    "Minnesota Secretary Of State – 2018 General Election Results". www.sos.state.mn.us. Archived from the original on April 10, 2020. Retrieved December 18, 2018.
  102. [102]
    "Daily Kos".
  103. [103]
    "Minnesota Senate special election exit poll". CNN. Retrieved November 20, 2018.
Official campaign websites
Share this article:

This article uses material from the Wikipedia article 2018_United_States_Senate_special_election_in_Minnesota, and is written by contributors. Text is available under a CC BY-SA 4.0 International License; additional terms may apply. Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.