Minnesota elections: Brainerd area GOP holds legislative seats

Voters in the Brainerd lakes area kept five Minnesota legislative seats in Republican hands on Tuesday, Nov. 3. The results stand in contrast to the national trend toward Democratic candidates, as local Republicans defeated DFL challengers in all three state Senate races and two state House races in the region.

In Senate District 5, Mike Wiener won the open seat with 30,380 votes, or 71.19% of the total. He defeated Skylar Fynboh, who received 12,197 votes, or 28.58%. Wiener cited economic conditions as a primary driver of the outcome. Fynboh said she plans to run again, noting that the campaign gained momentum with new voters. The district includes all of Wadena and Todd counties and parts of Becker, Cass, Hubbard and Morrison counties.

Incumbent Keri Heintzeman retained Senate District 6 with 27,503 votes, or 62.02%, against DFL candidate Denise Slipy’s 16,799 votes, or 37.89%. Heintzeman expressed gratitude for the support in her district. Slipy said she does not see herself running again after the election. She thanked volunteers and donors, describing the effort as a way to bring people together. This district covers portions of Cass, Crow Wing and Itasca counties.

Republican Nathan Wesenberg won Senate District 10 with 30,655 votes, or 72.46%, defeating Tara Killen, who received 11,545 votes, or 27.40%. Neither candidate could be reached for comment. District 10 includes Morrison County and parts of Aitkin, Benton, Crow Wing, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs and Morrison counties.

In the House, incumbent Ben Davis was reelected to District 6A with 14,401 votes, or more than 62% of the total. He defeated Samuel Grigsby, who received 8,780 votes, or 37.85%. Davis said he would continue to serve as a conservative voice for the district, which spans from Brainerd to Grand Rapids. Grigsby could not be reached for comment. The district includes Crosby, Crosslake, Deerwood, Emily, Fifty Lakes, Garrison, Ironton, Manhattan Beach, Riverton, Trommald, Remer, Cohasset and Grand Rapids.

Josh Heintzeman was reelected to House District 6B with 12,785 votes, or 60.83%. He defeated Nicky Hardy, who received 8,220 votes, or 31.67%. Heintzeman said the district’s values remain consistent despite a national shift. Hardy said she moved the district six percentage points compared to 2024 and plans to run again. District 6B covers the central portion of Crow Wing County.