A newly-elected Hopkins City Council member got the job without any votes to spare, according to data from the Minnesota Secretary of State.

There were two openings on the Hopkins City Council before last week’s election.

While the top-choice winner, Brian Hunke, secured 32.22% of the total with 1,207 votes, only one vote separated two candidates for second place.

Ben Goodlund received 885 votes compared to Aaron Kuznia’s 884 votes, making Goodlund a first-time council member in Hopkins. Meanwhile, Alan Beck came in fourth place with 755 votes. A total of 15 votes went to write-ins.

Four years ago, Kuznia also ran for the council and lost by just seven votes. This time, he’s asked for a recount.

Goodlund, on the other hand, lost a council race by 200 votes two years ago.

“You know, you study these things you hear of these things, Bush v. Gore, Franken and Coleman, but again, never in your wildest dreams, you know, did I wake up that Tuesday thinking that in a matter of hours you know I would have won by one vote,” Goodlund said.

After losing in 2021, Goodlund says he knocked on every door in Hopkins this year to improve his vote total. Kuznia said he also worked harder this year after his previous narrow loss.

“Really put the work out this year trying to reach all the people that voted in the last two municipal elections,” Kuznia said. “Went out with door hangers, meeting the population in Hopkins; it’s important.”

Hopkins City Clerk Amy Domeier says it’s the closest race she’s overseen in her 10 years with the city. She’ll now oversee the recount but said it’s a good reminder to voters everywhere.

“I would remind them that every vote counts,” Domeier said. “Those machines are programmed to read every vote. We make sure your vote counts.”

The two council candidates shared that sentiment.

“There’s zero margin of error and all that, and obviously it proves like never before that every single vote matters and counts,” Goodlund said.

“Every vote does matter obviously in this election,” Kuznia added. “I did request a recount. With that being said, I would hope and believe anybody else in this situation would request a recount having only one vote separating Ben and I.”

“I always say that every vote matters, and that is because it is true,” Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon shared. “Every year that I have been in office there has been at least one contest decided by a handful of votes. As a resident of the City of Hopkins, I now have a personal connection in that my city council representative was elected by just one vote.

“The next statewide election, the Presidential Nominating Primary is just a few short months away. I hope this is a reminder to Minnesotans about the importance of making your voice heard.”

Goodlund and Kuznia also noted that they trust the recount system, and Goodlund told 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS that he empathizes with his opponent due to his own history with close elections.

“Who in their right mind would have thought it would come down to one vote, and I can’t imagine what he’s going through and all that,” Goodlund said. “That’s just crazy.”

The recount is scheduled for Monday at the Hopkins Fire Station, and officials say the public is welcome to attend and see what happens. If Goodlund and Kuznia are somehow tied after the recount, the race would be decided by a coin flip.