Stu Lourey defeats Michelle Lee in Democratic primary for Minnesota Senate District 11 special election


Stu Lourey won the Democratic primary for Minnesota’s Senate District 11 special election Tuesday. He received 53 percent of the vote to Michelle Lee’s 47 percent with all precincts reporting. Lourey faces Jason Rarick (R) and John Birrenbach (Legal Marijuana Now Party) in the general election on February 5. Rarick and Birrenbach were unopposed in their primaries.
 
Stu Lourey is the son of former state Sen. Tony Lourey (D), who resigned from representing Senate District 11 earlier this month after Gov. Tim Walz (D) appointed him to serve as state human services commissioner. Stu Lourey was endorsed by several unions in the primary. Lee received the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party of Minnesota’s endorsement.
 
Before Tony Lourey’s resignation, Republicans held a 34-33 majority in the state Senate.
 
If Rarick wins the special election, Republicans will gain a 3-seat majority in the chamber. If Lourey wins, Republicans will again hold a 1-seat majority.
 
Democrats control the state House and the governor’s office.