The 2014 Midterm elections featured an unpopular Democratic president, an uneasy and unsatisfied electorate and record campaign spending. Nationally, these elections were very difficult for Democrats and incumbents. Republicans took control of the U.S. Senate, increased their margin in the U.S. House of Representatives and won several unexpected victories in gubernatorial races. Minnesota's elections ran somewhat contrary to that trend with incumbent DFL Senator Al Franken and incumbent DFL Governor Mark Dayton winning re-election. DFLers also won three additional constitutional officer contests, and incumbent DFL Congressman Collin Peterson and Rick Nolan were re-elected despite significant challenges from Republicans Torrey Westrom and Stewart Mills. However, Republicans did regain control of the Minnesota House of Representatives from the DFL. Eleven Democratic incumbents were defeated while no Republican incumbents lost their elections.
State Legislative Races
This election was marked by record-breaking spending to influence control of the Minnesota House of Representatives. More than $10 million poured into roughly 20 districts across the state to influence the results. Unlike the statewide campaigns that had some general themes, these races focused on local issues and personalities. Over the last three election cycles, fewer than 2,500 votes have determined control of the Minnesota House. This year was no different, as 1,909 votes tipped the scales for the Republicans. Republicans will hold a 72-62 margin in the Minnesota House having picked up 11 seats; 10 of which came from Greater Minnesota. The Minnesota Senate was not on the ballot in 2014. DFLers control the Senate 39-28.
State Constitutional Offices
Governor Mark Dayton defeated Hennepin County Commissioner Jeff Johnson last night by 5 percentage points. Dayton was elected with a slim margin in 2010 during a wave election for Republicans. He was able to run on a successful legislative agenda derived from key campaign themes from his first run for Governor. Expect to see some changes in the Governor's cabinet over the next few months. One thing to watch is the influence newly elected Lieutenant Governor Tina Flint Smith will carry considering her close relationship with the Governor and past role as Chief of Staff during his first term.
The Democrats continued their dominance in retaining all statewide constitutional offices including Secretary of State, Attorney General, and Auditor. The only non-incumbent in that group is newly elected DFLer Secretary of State Steve Simon, who previously served in the House. He will replace outgoing DFL Secretary of State Mark Ritchie.
Federal Races
Senator Al Franken was re-elected Tuesday over business leader Mike McFadden by a 53-43 percent margin. Senator Franken, who won by 312 votes in 2008, was seen as one of the most vulnerable senators when he took office six years ago but won re-election decisively Tuesday.
While the majority of the races in Minnesota's eight congressional districts were not very competitive, two races received the lion's share of media attention and campaign expenditures prior to Election Day. In the Eighth Congressional District, Congressman Rick Nolan narrowly defeated business owner Stewart Mills by 1 percentage point.
Western Minnesota hasn't seen a competitive congressional race in almost 30 years. This year was no different. During this election cycle, Republican allies poured money into the district in an effort to help State Senator Torrey Westrom in his effort to defeat incumbent Congressman Collin Peterson. Ultimately Congressman Peterson won comfortably with a final tally of 54-46 percent.
Turnout
Minnesota has had the highest voter turnout in 12 of the past 16 elections including the past eight straight elections. Turnout in Minnesota was 50.22 percent, which is relatively low for Minnesota standards. In 2010, Minnesota's turnout was 55.89 percent.
