ST. PAUL, MN — A southern Minnesota congressional seat that a Republican won by 17 points two years ago could flip to Democrats, capping an election in which the DFL swept every partisan statewide race and won full control of the Legislature.
Democrat Jake Johnson, a Rochester high school math teacher, led Republican Rep. Brad Finstad by 324 votes in the 1st Congressional District on Wednesday morning, 163,057 to 162,733, with all precincts reporting, unofficial returns showed.
MPR News reported that a recount is not automatic, but the trailing candidate can request a publicly funded one when the margin is under 0.25%.
Results below update automatically from the Minnesota Secretary of State.
Johnson pulled ahead late, as the last 10 precincts came in from Olmsted County, including six in Rochester, the Post Bulletin reported. The paper said Johnson held a town hall in every county in the district and criticized Finstad for not holding any.
Johnson has declared victory and plans to give a victory speech Wednesday evening, while Finstad had not conceded as of Wednesday morning, KSTP reported. A Johnson win would make him the first Democrat to hold the seat since Gov. Tim Walz. Finstad's chief of staff told the Star Tribune the race is likely headed to a recount.
Here's how the rest of the election played out. All results remain unofficial.
The DFL Won Up And Down The Statewide Ticket
Amy Klobuchar defeated Republican House Speaker Lisa Demuth 55.5% to 42.6%, becoming the first woman elected governor in state history, FOX 9 reported in its statewide results roundup. Attorney General Keith Ellison won a third term over Ron Schutz, 54.3% to 45.5%. Zack Filipovich beat Scott Jensen for state auditor, 52.9% to 44.2%, and Secretary of State Steve Simon won a fourth term over Tad Jude.
In the open U.S. Senate race, Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan beat Michele Tafoya 53.7% to 43.6%, according to KQDS.
Republicans' Fraud Message Didn't Deliver
The Star Tribune reported that Republicans went into the year with a major fraud controversy to run on, more money behind them and a shot at their first statewide win in about 20 years. The paper also reported that Democrats took over both chambers of Congress, which it framed as voters' response to President Donald Trump.
In legislative races, Republican candidates focused on fraud in state programs and on cutting spending, while DFL candidates focused on family costs and the Trump administration and pledged limits on federal agents after the immigration enforcement surge in Minnesota, MPR News reported.
The DFL Is Back In Control At The Capitol
The final size of the DFL's majorities could depend on recounts, but unofficial results could put the party at about 75 House seats and up to 39 in the Senate, MPR News reported. The House had been tied 67-67, and the DFL held a one-seat Senate edge.
The station also reported that Kristy Janigo won a Maple Grove Senate seat the GOP had held for decades. MinnPost reported that Chris Ford beat Republican Sen. Michael Kreun in an Anoka County district and noted that it will be the DFL's second trifecta in four years. Lawmakers will write the next two-year state budget in 2027.
Most Of The Congressional Map Held
Republican Reps. Tom Emmer, Michelle Fischbach and Pete Stauber all won reelection. Democrats held the 2nd District, where Matt Little won the open seat, and Reps. Kelly Morrison, Betty McCollum and Ilhan Omar were also reelected. The delegation has been split 4-4, so a Johnson win would give Democrats a 5-3 edge.
Voters Said Yes On School Funding
Voters also approved a constitutional amendment that raises the Permanent School Fund's payout to school districts from 2.5% to 4.5%, starting July 1, 2027.
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