Decision Day 2024 Results: Local Minnesota State House

(KNSI) – Three incumbent central Minnesota State House candidates will keep their seats, and one appears to be headed for a recount.

In House District 13A, incumbent Republican Representative and House Minority Leader Lisa Demuth received more than 75% of the vote to beat Democratic challenger Cindy Aho.

In House District 13B, Republican Representative Tim O’Driscoll will return to St. Paul for an eighth term with more than two-thirds of the vote after beating out Democrat Dusty Bolstad.

In House District 14A, Republican Representative Bernie Perryman has been elected to a second term, holding off Democratic challenger Abdi Daisane. Perryman spoke with KNSI after her race was called and reflected on her journey to St. Paul, believing her first term prepared her to serve again. “Before, two years ago, I was a constituent, and I was telling people what I needed. Now I’m listening, and I know what is needed.”

The seat for House District 14B may be headed for a recount. Preliminary numbers show Democratic incumbent Representative Dan Wolgamott narrowly defeating Republican Sue Ek by 28 votes. Wolgamott received 49.93% of the vote to Ek’s 49.79%. That margin is close enough to trigger a state-funded recount if Ek requests it.

Wolgamott told KNSI he’s proud of their campaign. “We fought for every vote till the last minute. And we helped people find their voice by going out and executing their public duty to go vote.”

Earlier Tuesday night, with 100% of the precincts reporting, totals showed Ek with a four vote lead. KNSI News verified that information with election officials who told us the total was correct. Wednesday morning, the vote total had changed.

Ek told KNSI she enjoyed door-knocking and believes it was pivotal in making the race close. “It was really fun talking to people, and they were very open. And I converted a few soft Democrats and independents. And it was really a good experience.”

See more race results here.

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