Live results: Democrats maintain Minnesota Senate majority in special election
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Minnesota Democrats will maintain their narrow majority in the state Senate next year.
Why it matters: The outcome dashes Republicans' hopes of winning back control in both chambers this year.
State of play: Preliminary results from Tuesday's election show Democrat Ann Johnson Stewart leading Republican Kathleen Fowke.
Context: State senators weren't up for reelection this year, but the special election in the Twin Cities' west metro put Democrats' one-vote majority in that chamber in play.
Catch up fast: The rivals were vying for the Senate District 45 seat that opened up when former DFL state Sen. Kelly Morrison decided to resign to focus on her run for Congress.
- Because of the stakes, the race was one of the most expensive legislative contests this year.
What they're saying: Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee President Heather Williams hailed the "crucial majority-making victory."
- Senate Republicans conceded in a statement issued late Tuesday, but said the close nature of the results "clearly show there is still a growing concern among Minnesotans about single-party Democrat control and their extreme agenda."
Zoom out: Control of the state House is also on the ballot Tuesday, with all 134 districts up for election.
- If Republicans either win House control it would end Democrats' trifecta after just one two-year legislative session.