2nd District election updates: AP calls race for Rep. Angie Craig, Kistner concedes

The Associated Press has called Minnesota’s Second Congressional District race for Rep. Angie Craig.

The announcement comes a day after Craig declared victory herself.

Craig’s opponent, Republican Tyler Kistner, issued the following statement Thursday afternoon:

"I just called Angie Craig and congratulated her on her victory. I am humbled and honored by all the support I have received from Minnesotans across the Second Congressional District.

"Despite lots of confusion in this race caused by Rep. Craig’s lawsuit and the courts, we were able to outperform the top of the ticket by 5% and raise more money than any GOP challenger ever in the Second District.

"I am heading out to drill with the Marine Corps Forces Reserves for the next few weeks, and will spend the holidays with my family in Minnesota. I will be announcing my future plans very soon, this is not the end of the movement we have started. Stay tuned."

Additionally, Minnesota Republican Party Chairwoman Jennifer Carnahan released the following statement:

"Tyler Kistner did all a candidate could do to position himself for victory. He worked hard, connected with thousands of voters, and has a bright future ahead of him.

"Tyler has much to be proud of and build off of. We’re going to see the name Tyler Kistner on the ballot again and look forward to that day."

---

Below are the previous updates for Minnesota’s 2nd Congressional District race:

• Rep. Angie Craig declared victory on Wednesday morning, but the 2nd Congressional District has not yet been officially called. She released a statement, which says in part: "I am so grateful to the people of this district for giving me an opportunity to return to Congress to continue this important work – and I look forward to fighting for them in the 117th Congress.”
• Kistner released the following statement: "I am humbled and honored by all the support I have received. The race for Congress in the Second District still remains extremely close. Because of the unknown number of how many ballots are still outstanding, we owe it to the voters who waited for hours to cast their ballots before making any final judgments on this race. My team is working diligently to get the most up to date information. We have and will continue to respect the process."
• As of about 4 a.m. Wednesday, with 100% of precincts reporting, Democrat incumbent Angie Craig leads Republican Tyler Kistner 48% to 46% in an incredibly close race.
• As of 12:36 a.m. Wednesday, Craig leads Kistner 47.03% to 46.99%. The Minnesota Secretary of State’s website reports that 289 of 289 (100%) of precincts are reporting. Craig leads by 154 single votes.
• The absentee ballots postmarked by election day are still to be counted in the race, according to elections officials. Dakota County Elections told 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS they will continue counting any absentee ballot that comes in until they canvass early next week.

Stay with 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS and KSTP.com for updates.