Keri Heintzeman wins special election for Minnesota Senate seat
Keri Heintzeman knocks on doors and distributes lawn signs in Brainerd before a candidate forum in Baxter on April 8, 2025. (Glen Stubbe/Minnesota Reformer)
Keri Heintzeman, director of President Donald Trump's 2024 campaign in Minnesota's 8th Congressional District and the wife of state Rep. Josh Heintzeman, easily won Tuesday's special election for Senate District 6.
Unofficial election returns show Heintzeman won the special election by double digit percentage points.
Heintzeman will replace former Sen. Justin Eichorn, who resigned last month following his arrest on federal charges of attempted coercion and enticement of a minor.
Senate District 6 includes Grand Rapids and the Brainerd Lakes region.
In a statement, Heintzeman's campaign said she won the special election by aligning 'with the policies championed by President Trump.'
'This victory is a testament to the power of conservative values and the enduring spirit of our community,' Heintzeman said in a statement. 'As your senator, I will fight tirelessly to protect our freedoms, reduce government overreach, and ensure that every tax dollar is spent wisely.'
Once Heintzeman is sworn in, the Minnesota Senate will return to a 34-33 slim Democratic majority.
In addition to her political work, Heintzeman helps homeschool her six children.
Unofficial returns show a strong turnout for a special election, with Heintzeman receiving over 12,000 votes and her Democratic-Farmer-Labor opponent Denise Slipy receiving over 8,000 votes.
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