Contrary to the national election results, which have Donald Trump slated to return to the White House and Republicans regaining control of the Senate, the local vote totals show that most in the Northeaster’s circulation area voted for Democratic candidates.
While he captured just over 50% of the national popular vote, Trump managed only 28% of the vote in Columbia Heights and a maximum precinct high of 18.66% in Minneapolis’ First and Third Wards. His highest precinct turnout in St. Anthony was 25%. He did bring in 43% of Hilltop’s presidential turnout. Third party and write-in candidates split approximately 5% of the local presidential vote.
Democratic incumbents Senator Amy Klobuchar and Fifth District Representative Ilhan Omar fared similarly against their respective opponents, Republicans Royce White and Dalia Al-Aqidi, and will return to their seats in Washington, D.C. next January. Al-Aqidi managed to bring in the best showing among federal candidates in our readership area, with just over 36% of the local total and just under 25% district-wide.
Sandra Feist (DFL) won 14,427 to 5,875 over Kt Jacobs (R) in Minnesota House District 39B, which includes St. Anthony and parts of Columbia Heights and New Brighton.
House District 60A incumbent Sydney Jordan (DFL), representing Minneapolis’ First Ward and parts of the Third Ward, won her third term handily over Republican challenger Mary Holmberg, 19,684 to 3,535.
Anoka County
In the race for Anoka County Commissioner, Mandy Meisner fended off a challenge from Taher Herzallah, 14,390 votes to 4,713.
Columbia Heights
Amáda Márquez Simula will return as mayor, collecting 5,551 of 8,411 votes cast, over challenger Montrell Bond. Incumbent Connie Buesgens retained her council seat and is joined by newcomer Laurel Deneen. Newcomer Ali Farah collected nearly 24% of the votes but failed to win one of the two open seats.
Columbia Heights School Board members Mary Granlund and Michelle Pettaway will return and will be joined by new member Corenia Smith, who won over the next-highest vote getter Adam Davis by 153 votes.
Minneapolis
School Board Vice-Chair Kim Ellison retained her seat against Shayla Owodunni with nearly 58% of the vote in the at-large election. Sharon El-Amin and Adriana Cerrillo each won uncontested races and represent small portions of our Third Ward readership. The $20 million tech levy the district sought was passed.
Hilltop
Council members Casey Gunter and Betty Risdahl retained their seats uncontested in the at-large election.