Grand Rapids, Minnesota — Two northern Minnesota residents are now preparing for Senate District 6’s special election, which was called following the resignation of former Senator Justin Eichorn.
Republican Keri Heintzeman won her party’s special primary election on Tuesday, receiving 46.77% of the votes. She easily defeated challengers in the crowded primary, which included seven other Republicans vying for the vacant seat.
Denise Slipy is the only Democratic candidate running, according to the Secretary of State’s Office.
Heintzeman said in a statement that she has lived in the district for 30 years and is a long-time volunteer with local and state Republican organizations.
“Our community deserves a leader who listens to, engages with, and fiercely advocates for SD6 residents in St. Paul,” she stated in a press release announcing her campaign.
“I am running for the Minnesota Senate to promote the values that we hold dear: fiscal responsibility, personal freedom, and government transparency. Together, we can create an environment in which families thrive, businesses grow, and our children have a bright and secure future.”
The Minnesota DFL said in a statement Tuesday night that Slipy has a record of community service and “will fight to protect her constituents’ health care and be a champion for strong public schools because she knows that public service should be about improving people’s lives, not partisan politics.”
“Now we know who our opponent is. Let us get to work! While I do not have name recognition or inside information on major donors, I am aware of what you have been saying.
I have heard you and will fight for you. We cannot continue to vote for the same policies with different players (in this case, the same players) and expect different results. “SD6 deserves someone who will fight for them, not the party,” Slipy wrote on Facebook Tuesday night.
Eichorn, a Republican from Grand Rapids, resigned in March after being arrested and charged with allegedly soliciting a minor for sex. He represented District 6, which included most of Crow Wing County as well as portions of Cass and Itasca counties.
The special election date is April 29.