Voters in state Senate District 11 go to the polls today (Tues) to narrow the field for the upcoming special election. It’s prompted by Kerrick Democrat Tony Lourey’s resignation to become state Human Services Commissioner. District 11 Democrats last weekend endorsed former Duluth T-V news anchor Michelle Lee as their candidate. Lee, who made an unsuccessful bid for U-S House last year, has a challenger in today’s state Senate primary: fellow Democrat Stu Lourey, son of former state Senator Tony Lourey, and grandson of former state Senator Becky Lourey. The winner of today’s special primary goes against Republican-endorsed candidate, state Representative Jason Rarick, in the February 5th special election.
If Democrats hold onto the District 11 seat, it means Republicans will again have only a one-vote majority in the Minnesota Senate. If Republicans win the seat, it gives them a little more breathing room in the 2019 legislative session.