Minnesota District 6 Holds Special Senate Election

A special election is taking place in Minnesota Senate District 6, which covers parts of Crow Wing, Cass, and Itasca counties, to fill the seat vacated by Republican Justin Eichorn following his arrest and federal charges in a child prostitution sting. Republican Keri Heintzeman, a former Trump campaign director and wife of state Rep. Josh Heintzeman, faces Democrat Denise Slipy, an environmental health professional and first responder. The district leans Republican, but the outcome will not affect the Democrats’ two-vote majority in the Minnesota Senate. Heintzeman’s campaign focuses on fiscal conservatism, gun rights, and opposing abortion, while Slipy emphasizes public health, education, and public service. The winner will be sworn in before the legislative session ends on May 19, joining during critical budget negotiations. The campaign has also seen a DFL complaint against Heintzeman for alleged campaign finance violations, which she denies.