Minnesota State Senate District 45 special election, 2024

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Ann Johnson Stewart (D) defeated Kathleen Fowke (R) in the special election for Minnesota State Senate District 45 on November 5, 2024.

The election took place after Kelly Morrison (D) resigned to run for U.S. House, leaving control of the Senate split 33-33. Minnesota state senators are elected to four-year terms in midterm years, meaning the outcome of this election determined control of the chamber through the 2026 midterms or until another member left office. Because Democrats controlled the state House and a Democrat was governor, the outcome of this election also determined Minnesota's trifecta status. Democrats lost their trifecta after losing control of the state House.

Johnson Stewart was a civil engineer and former state senator who did not run for re-election in 2022 after redistricting placed her and Morrison in the same district. Johnson Stewart said abortion was a key issue: "It only takes one election to see our reproductive freedom stripped away. In Minnesota, our rights are on the line again with one Senate seat deciding our future."^[1]^[2]

Fowke was a realtor and former small business owner. Fowke said she was running "because your family deserves better...The high costs of groceries and essentials have driven our citizens to new levels of anxiety and stress."^[3]

Both Johnson Stewart and Fowke completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. In response to a survey question asking which areas of public policy she was personally passionate about, Johnson Stewart said, "The list is endless, but my background as a civil engineer means that I truly appreciate talking about infrastructure, planning, and how we build and maintain safe and livable communities." In her response to the same question, Fowke said, "Ensuring that we represent our communities is of top priority. It is important that we listen to all our neighbors. A one-sided government does not accomplish that goal. We may not agree on everything, but I believe we agree on most. Let's bring balance back to Minnesota so we can all have a voice at the capital." Click here to view both candidates' completed surveys.

In the 2022 election, Morrison defeated Fowke 56.3% to 43.7%. Ann Rest (D) won election under the district's old boundaries with 60.7% of the vote in 2020 and 63.8% in 2016. According to Dave's Redistricting, Joe Biden (D) defeated Donald Trump (R) 57% to 41% in the 2024 boundaries of this district in 2020. In 2022, Democrats defeated Republicans in the district in all four statewide elections and the U.S. House election. The narrowest Democratic win was 50.59% to 45.39% in the state auditor election, and the widest was 56.96% to 40.91% in the gubernatorial election. Click here for a detailed breakdown of 2022 statewide election results in District 45.

Ann Johnson Stewart (D) and Kathleen Fowke (R) completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. To read those survey responses, click here.

Candidates and election results

General election

Special general election for Minnesota State Senate District 45

Ann Johnson Stewart defeated Kathleen Fowke in the special general election for Minnesota State Senate District 45 on November 5, 2024.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Ann Johnson Stewart (D)	52.4	29,791
	Kathleen Fowke (R)	47.5	26,969
	Other/Write-in votes	0.1	58

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 56,818
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
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Democratic primary election

Special Democratic primary for Minnesota State Senate District 45

Ann Johnson Stewart defeated Emily Reitan and Kyle Meinen in the special Democratic primary for Minnesota State Senate District 45 on August 13, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Ann Johnson Stewart	58.9	3,701
		Emily Reitan	38.7	2,432
	Submit photo	Kyle Meinen	2.4	148

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 6,281
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Republican primary election

Special Republican primary for Minnesota State Senate District 45

Kathleen Fowke advanced from the special Republican primary for Minnesota State Senate District 45 on August 13, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Kathleen Fowke	100.0	2,574

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 2,574
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Voting information

See also: Voting in Minnesota

Election information in Minnesota: Nov. 5, 2024, election.

What was the voter registration deadline?

In-person: Nov. 5, 2024
By mail: Received by Oct. 15, 2024
Online: Oct. 15, 2024

Was absentee/mail-in voting available to all voters?

Yes

What was the absentee/mail-in ballot request deadline?

In-person: N/A
By mail: Received by Nov. 4, 2024
Online: Nov. 4, 2024

What was the absentee/mail-in ballot return deadline?

In-person: Nov. 5, 2024
By mail: Received by Nov. 5, 2024

Was early voting available to all voters?

Yes

What were the early voting start and end dates?

Sep. 20, 2024 to Nov. 4, 2024

Were all voters required to present ID at the polls? If so, was a photo or non-photo ID required?

N/A

When were polls open on Election Day?

7:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. (CST)

Candidate comparison

Candidate profiles

This section includes candidate profiles that may be created in one of two ways: either the candidate completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey, or Ballotpedia staff may compile a profile based on campaign websites, advertisements, and public statements after identifying the candidate as noteworthy. For more on how we select candidates to include, click here.

Ann Johnson Stewart

Party: Democratic Party

Incumbent: No

Political Office: None

Submitted Biography: "I am a former state senator, business owner, civil engineer and teacher running for state senate in Senate District 45. I grew up in a large family in Northern Wisconsin and my parents were public school teachers. I earned a bachelor’s degree in environmental and civil engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville and a master’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. In 1995, I started a small civil engineering consulting business, grew it to employ 35 people, and recently sold it to focus on the upcoming election. I’ve taught both construction management and civil engineering at the University of MN for 30 years. In addition to teaching, my passion is workforce development; I’ve mentored and taught BIPOC men and women in both the construction trades and civil design. As a senator, I hope to return to the Bonding and the Transportation Policy committees to continue work on supporting and growing Minnesota's infrastructure. My husband and I live in Minnetonka with our 2 dogs; our 4 grown children all graduated from Wayzata Public Schools. My 3 grandkids live nearby and also attend a Wayzata Public school, where I love to volunteer!"

Key Messages

To read this candidate's full survey responses, click here.

It is critical that we protect our freedoms, including reproductive freedoms, and our democracy

Every one of our students deserve the opportunity to go to a great, well-funded public school and get the best education in the country

We need to invest in our communities, in our infrastructure and clean water, and in public safety

This information was current as of the candidate's run for Minnesota State Senate District 45 in 2024.

Kathleen Fowke

Party: Republican Party

Incumbent: No

Political Office: None

Submitted Biography: "A small business owner, entrepreneur, Realtor, mother, grandmother and wife, and one that understands with some common sense and hard work, together we can create a community that serves us all and not just the few. It is time to unite around common ground solutions and bring balance back to Minnesota. Together we can create a Minnesota that works for each-of-us. One that fosters success and prosperity for all."

Key Messages

To read this candidate's full survey responses, click here.

I am running because your family desires better. I know first hand how difficult life can be when you are on a tight budget. The high costs of groceries and essentials have driven our citizens to new levels of anxiety and stress. It is time to alleviate the strain. Our government needs to stop the wasteful spending, which causes our taxes to rise. We must Ease the Squeeze and allow our families to thrive.

Bring balance back to Minnesota and ensure that we are supporting our schools, teachers, and our children. Our school districts are being burdened with mandates, and funding seems to be too little, too late. The K-12 classroom sizes are too large and test scores are falling. Our kids deserve access to the highest quality education. Let's be a good example to our children and take care of what we love, our Boundary Waters. Our beautiful lakes and streams need protection. We are fortunate to have a state filled with such amazing wonder.

Let come together and rally around what is important to our neighbors. Clean drinking water, affordable and flexible healthcare, lower cost of essentials, great schools, safe neighborhoods, are all top priorities. It is time we end the extremes and stop the mandates. Minnesotans are kind and generous people that understand and accept that we may not all agree on everything, but we do agree on most. I will support women and will find ways that empower, strengthen, and offer choices when they are faced with life changing decisions. We Minnesotans value our freedoms. Let's vow to protect them all including our religious freedoms. We are better when we are united.

This information was current as of the candidate's run for Minnesota State Senate District 45 in 2024.

Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey responses

Ballotpedia asks all federal, state, and local candidates to complete a survey and share what motivates them on political and personal levels. The section below shows responses from candidates in this race who completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Survey responses from candidates in this race

Click on a candidate's name to visit their Ballotpedia page.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

Expand all | Collapse all

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Kathleen Fowke (R)

I am running because your family desires better. I know first hand how difficult life can be when you are on a tight budget. The high costs of groceries and essentials have driven our citizens to new levels of anxiety and stress. It is time to alleviate the strain. Our government needs to stop the wasteful spending, which causes our taxes to rise. We must Ease the Squeeze and allow our families to thrive.

Bring balance back to Minnesota and ensure that we are supporting our schools, teachers, and our children. Our school districts are being burdened with mandates, and funding seems to be too little, too late. The K-12 classroom sizes are too large and test scores are falling. Our kids deserve access to the highest quality education.

Let's be a good example to our children and take care of what we love, our Boundary Waters. Our beautiful lakes and streams need protection. We are fortunate to have a state filled with such amazing wonder.

Let come together and rally around what is important to our neighbors. Clean drinking water, affordable and flexible healthcare, lower cost of essentials, great schools, safe neighborhoods, are all top priorities. It is time we end the extremes and stop the mandates.

Minnesotans are kind and generous people that understand and accept that we may not all agree on everything, but we do agree on most. I will support women and will find ways that empower, strengthen, and offer choices when they are faced with life changing decisions.

We Minnesotans value our freedoms. Let's vow to protect them all including our religious freedoms. We are better when we are united.

Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/ajstewart.jpg

Ann Johnson Stewart (D)

It is critical that we protect our freedoms, including reproductive freedoms, and our democracy

Every one of our students deserve the opportunity to go to a great, well-funded public school and get the best education in the country

We need to invest in our communities, in our infrastructure and clean water, and in public safety

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Kathleen Fowke (R)

Ensuring that we represent our communities is of top priority. It is important that we listen to all our neighbors. A one-sided government does not accomplish that goal. We may not agree on everything, but I believe we agree on most. Let's bring balance back to Minnesota so we can all have a voice at the capital.

Ann Johnson Stewart (D)

The list is endless, but my background as a civil engineer means that I truly appreciate talking about infrastructure, planning, and how we build and maintain safe and livable communities

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Kathleen Fowke (R)

To be a good elected official you need to be honest and forthright. To be a great elected official you also need to listen to your constituents. The issues that are facing us today can be overcome if we value its people and their desire to live freely. We need to allow for self-governance. It is time to decide if we want to live in a land that pushes extreme agendas or a land that allows for a common ground solutions. I believe we need to reflect on what once worked, and that was when politicians reached across the aisle. Doing so does not mean you are weak or wishy-washy, it means that you are seeking something bigger than yourself. I look forward to bringing balance back to Minnesota.

Ann Johnson Stewart (D)

Hard work, compassion, good listening skills, commitment, curiosity, and grit

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

Ann Johnson Stewart (D)

As the first civil engineer to serve in the MN Senate, I brought special expertise and insight into the trillions of dollars of infrastructure assets the state owns. My experience as a construction engineer overseeing the plans, budgets and building of roads, bridges, stadiums, drinking and wastewater systems, and public buildings has developed my skills as a negotiator and advocate of public funds. I know what it takes to build and maintain these systems, and my skills as a teacher have been valuable in communicating to users and policy makers about the critical need to maintain them. This unique skill will help greatly as a member of the Bonding and Transportation committees.

As a successful business owner, I learned how to manage budgets, payrolls, employees, and growth opportunities. I grew my business to employ 35 people before I sold it, and learned a great deal about the issues facing small businesses which will be helpful in shaping legislation.

I am also a skilled mentor and teacher. I know how to create and implement workforce development programs and have worked with countless business owners and adults who are working to succeed in the highway design and construction industry. I'll use these qualities as I look to create opportunities for growing our state's skilled workforce.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Ann Johnson Stewart (D)

The core responsibilities are to spend time in the community, to listen to constituents, to do your homework around bills and the issues before your committees, and to vote in ways you believe will better the lives of the people you serve.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Kathleen Fowke (R)

One of my favorite books is "The Life We Bury" by Allen Eskens, a Minnesota author. A suspenseful novel that captures the reader with its intelligent twists and turns.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Kathleen Fowke (R)

My campaign song "Don't Stop Believing" by Journey.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

Ann Johnson Stewart (D)

There is separation of course, but I would like to work closely with the governor, communicate about shared priorities and critical issues for our district, and partner on improving the lives of Minnesotans.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

Ann Johnson Stewart (D)

Yes, definitely. The work of the legislature is best done collaboratively. We cannot write good legislation or approach complicated budget issues alone, and we do our best work with others, in partnership, and with the benefit of not just multiple perspectives but also the challenge of ensuring we are going to do right by people all over the state. The only way to do that is by spending time together and building trust.

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

Ann Johnson Stewart (D)

No. I am passionate about the work of the MN State Legislature and believe that is where I can do the most good for Minnesotans.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Kathleen Fowke (R)

I am proud to say that the Minnesota Police & Peace Officers Association was my first endorsement.

Ann Johnson Stewart (D)

I am proud to have the support of Labor Unions, GenderJustice, Pro-Choice Minnesota, Planned Parenthood, Sierra Club, and so many more. You can see my other endorsements here: https://annjohnsonstewart.com/endorsements/

What committees interest you?

Ann Johnson Stewart (D)

I would like to serve on the Capital Investment (Bonding) and Transportation Committees. I also would love to return to the Jobs committee.

Campaign advertisements

This section includes a selection of up to three campaign advertisements per candidate released in this race, as well as links to candidates' YouTube, Vimeo, and/or Facebook video pages. If you are aware of other links that should be included, please email us.

Ann Johnson Stewart

September 12, 2024

Kathleen Fowke

Ballotpedia did not come across any campaign ads for Kathleen Fowke while conducting research on this election. If you are aware of any ads that should be included, please email us.

Election competitiveness

Polls

See also: Ballotpedia's approach to covering polls

We provide results for polls that are included in polling aggregation from FiveThirtyEight and RealClearPolitics, when available. No polls were available for this election. To notify us of polls published in this election, please email us.

Endorsements

See also: Ballotpedia: Our approach to covering endorsements

Click the links below to see official endorsement lists published on candidate campaign websites for any candidates that make that information available. If you are aware of a website that should be included, please email us.

Election spending

Campaign finance

The tables below contain data from financial reports submitted to state agencies. The data is gathered and made available by Transparency USA. Transparency USA tracks loans separately from total contributions. View each candidates’ loan totals, if any, by clicking “View More” in the table below and learn more about this data here.

Satellite spending

Satellite spending describes political spending not controlled by candidates or their campaigns; that is, any political expenditures made by groups or individuals that are not directly affiliated with a candidate. This includes spending by political party committees, super PACs, trade associations, and 501(c)(4) nonprofit groups.^[4]^[5]^[6]

If available, this section includes links to online resources tracking satellite spending in this election. To notify us of a resource to add, email us.

District analysis

2022 election results

The table below includes election results from the 2022 general election in District 45 compiled by the Minnesota Secretary of State.^[7]^[8]

General election results in Minnesota State Senate District 45, 2022
Office	Democratic candidate	Democratic candidate votes	Republican candidate	Republican candidate votes	Margin of victory^[9]	Total votes^[10]
U.S. House	Dean Phillips	57.75% (28,035)	Tom Weiler	42.19% (20,484)	15.55% (7,551)	48,546
Governor	Tim Walz	56.96% (27,670)	Scott Jensen	40.91% (19,875)	16.05% (7,795)	48,579
Attorney General	Keith Ellison	52.62% (25,376)	Jim Schultz	47.29% (22,806)	5.33% (2,570)	48,225
Secretary of State	Steve Simon	58.29% (28,043)	Kim Crockett	41.65% (20,038)	16.64% (8,005)	48,107
Auditor	Julie Blaha	50.59% (24,070)	Ryan Wilson	45.39% (21,598)	5.20% (2,472)	47,582

District map

Campaign contributions

From 2000 to 2024, candidates for Minnesota State Senate District 45 raised a total of $3,001,160. Candidates who raised money in contributions earned $125,048 on average. All figures come from Follow the Money

Campaign contributions, Minnesota State Senate District 45
Year	Amount	Candidates	Average
2024	$1,955,068	4	$488,767
2022	$516,958	2	$258,479
2020	$88,358	2	$44,179
2016	$91,585	2	$45,793
2012	$58,204	3	$19,401
2010	$67,016	3	$22,339
2008	$20,220	1	$20,220
2006	$84,541	2	$42,271
2004	$19,056	1	$19,056
2002	$45,840	2	$22,920
2000	$54,314	2	$27,157
Total	$3,001,160	24	$125,048

Election context

Ballot access requirements

This table details ballot access requirements for Minnesota State Senate candidates in the 2024 election cycle. For additional information on candidate ballot access requirements in Minnesota, click here.

Filing requirements for Minnesota State Senate candidates, 2024
State	Office	Party	Signatures required	Filing fee	Filing deadline	Source
Minnesota	State Senate	Major party	500^[11]	$100.00^[11]	06/11/2024	1 2 3
Minnesota	State Senate	Minor party or independent	500	$100.00^[12]	06/11/2024	1 2 3