ST. PAUL, Minn. (GRAY) – Two special elections carry statewide significance this year, determining the makeup of the Minnesota Senate.

This past summer, two vacancies opened in the State Senate: one (District 29) after the death of longtime Republican Senator Bruce Anderson and the other (District 47) with the resignation of former DFL Senator Nicole Mitchell, who was charged with felony burglary in July.

If the seats are held by their respective parties, the Senate will once again have a 1-vote Republican Majority. If Republicans take both seats, they’ll have a majority in the State Senate. If DFLers win both seats, they’ll improve their majority to 3 votes.

A few races could trigger special elections of their own as well.

The DFL candidate in the District 47 race is Rep. Amanda Hemmi

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