Republican Michael Holmstrom Jr. Leads In Senate District 29 Special Election

MONTICELLO, MN — Republican Michael Holmstrom Jr. held a decisive lead over Democrat Louis McNutt in the special election for Senate District 29.

As of 11 p.m. Tuesday, Holmstrom Jr. led with about 62 percent of the vote, according to unofficial results from the Secretary of State’s office.

The race will determine who fills the seat left vacant by the death of longtime Republican Sen. Bruce Anderson.

The district includes much of Wright County and parts of Hennepin and Meeker counties. A winner had not been projected as of late Tuesday.

Precincts Reporting in Contest: 91.89% (34 of 37) — Last Updated: 11/04/25 10:17 PM

• Michael Holmstrom Jr (Republican) – 10,998 votes (62.10%)
• Louis McNutt (Democratic-Farmer-Labor) – 6,691 votes (37.78%)
• WRITE-IN (WRITE-IN) – 21 votes (0.12%)

Republican Michael Holmstrom Jr., a small business owner and Buffalo resident, ran on a platform of faith, family, and limited government.

He and his wife, Nicole, are raising five children and have emphasized parental rights, public safety, and reducing government burdens on families and businesses.

Democrat Louis McNutt, a Buffalo resident and MnDOT heavy equipment mechanic, campaigned on giving rural Minnesotans a stronger voice in St. Paul. A husband and father of three, McNutt highlighted his background in public service and union work through AFSCME Local 221.

A write-in option also appeared on the ballot.

The race has drawn statewide attention, as Democrats held a one-seat majority in the Minnesota Senate last session.