2025 Minnesota Senate District 47 Special Election Guide

WOODBURY, MN — A special election will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 4 to fill the vacant Minnesota Senate District 47 seat. The district includes Woodbury in Washington County and the southern part of Maplewood in Ramsey County.

The vacancy follows the conviction and removal of former Sen. Nicole Mitchell, who was sentenced in October to jail time and probation after being found guilty of felony first-degree burglary.

The winner of this election will serve the remainder of the term ending Jan. 4, 2027.

The race will appear on the same ballot as local school board contests, including South Washington County (ISD 833) School Board elections.

This special election will determine who represents Senate District 47 for the remainder of the current term.

The district covers a fast-growing Woodbury and Maplewood area where issues like education, family policy, and infrastructure are key priorities.

Candidates for State Senator – District 47

Amanda Hemmingsen-Jaeger (Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party)

• Current State Representative for District 47A, first elected in 2022
• Background in science and public policy
• Former forensic scientist and policy staffer for the Departments of Public Safety and Human Services
• Holds degrees in Cell Biology and Development, Genetics, and Science, Technology and Environmental Policy
• Legislative priorities: family and child well-being, clean energy, veterans’ issues, affordable childcare, and transportation improvements
• Authored legislation for paid family and medical leave, 100 percent carbon-free electricity by 2040, and funding for Woodbury’s Central Park renovation

Dwight Dorau (Republican Party)

• Lifelong Minnesotan and retired U.S. Air Force colonel with 26 years of service
• Served as a three-time Air Force commander, leading flying missions over Afghanistan
• Graduate of Finlayson High School, Brainerd Community College, and the University of Minnesota–Duluth
• Teaches at Johnson High School in St. Paul as a Senior Aerospace Science Instructor in the JROTC program
• Describes himself as a father, veteran, and teacher
• Campaign themes: education, infrastructure, and public service, grounded in his military and teaching background

A write-in option will also be available.

Local Races on the Same Ballot (ISD 833)

Voters may choose up to four candidates for South Washington County School Board Member – At Large.

Candidates listed on the sample ballot:

• Elizabeth Bockman Eckberg
• Katie Schwartz
• Juan Huerta
• Chad Borseth
• Lori Pecchia Michalski
• Sharon H. Van Leer
• Travis Dahle
• Louise Hinz
• Bryn Forstner (plus write-in options)

Key Election Dates

• Absentee and early voting began September 19, 2025
• Election Day is Tuesday, November 4, 2025
• Polls open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Write-in candidate filing deadline was October 28, 2025

Voting Eligibility

Under the 2023 Restore the Vote Act, Minnesotans with felony convictions regain their right to vote once they are no longer incarcerated.

To vote in Minnesota, you must:

• Be a U.S. citizen
• Be at least 18 years old by Election Day
• Have lived in Minnesota for at least 20 days
• Not be currently incarcerated for a felony
• Not be under a court order that revokes your right to vote

Minnesotans can register to vote online ahead of time or in person on Election Day.