Doron Clark wins Senate District 60 special election; DFL takes control of MN Senate

Minneapolis voters headed to the polls Tuesday for a special election in the state Senate following the death of Kari Dziedzic, who died from cancer last month and represented the Senate’s 60th district.

Doron Clark (DFL) defeated Republican Abigail Wolters by over 7,000 votes — 7,783 to 746. There were also 32 write-in votes cast during the election.

The race’s outcome also determines the balance of power in the Senate, which was tied at 33 each for Republicans and Democrats, but will now lean in the DFL’s favor. The district encompasses all of northeast and southeast Minneapolis and the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood on the opposite side of the Mississippi River.

DFL Caucus Leader Erin Murphy released the following statement after Clark’s victory:

“I am excited that the people of Senate District 60 have elected Doron Clark to be their voice in the State Senate. We welcome him to this institution and into the work for the people of Minnesota.  His election will restore the DFL majority that has accomplished so much for our state these past two years. Senator-elect Clark is a talented and accomplished leader who understands his district well. During this difficult time, for the Minnesota Senate and the people living in Senate District 60, we’ve been guided by the example of brilliant leadership set by the late Senator Dziedzic. With Senator-elect Clark, we are committed to bringing the light of her legacy to bear on our work for Minnesotans across the state.”

Clark’s priorities include accessible health care and addressing housing needs, while Wolters’ visions include public safety and job growth.

The district has historically been blue, and no Republican has ever won more than 20% of the vote. However, no matter who wins, there will be lots to catch up on, as the legislative session is already three weeks in.

RELATED: Political drama in MN House and Senate as session enters 3rd week

Included in that is a Republican-led effort to expel DFL Sen. Nicole Mitchell, which failed Monday. Mitchell is accused of breaking into her stepmother’s home and is formally charged with burglary.

As previously reported, a judge has granted her request to push back her trial until the legislative session is over. It was previously scheduled to start on Jan. 27. CLICK HERE for KSTP’s full coverage of the burglary case against Nicole Mitchell.

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