Both Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Sen. Tina Smith (D-MN) hung on to their Senate seats Tuesday in a what turned out to be a big night for Minnesota’s Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) Party.
While there was little doubt that Klobuchar would win her bid for a third term in the Senate, Smith was facing a tough competition in her race against Republican Karin Housley, who lost 42 percent to 53 percent.
Smith’s victory Tuesday was her first election to the U.S. Senate, which she was appointed to after the resignation of Al Franken.
“I’m humbled to be your U.S. Senator. I promise I’ll continue working every single day to make sure your voice is heard in the Senate,” Smith tweeted after her victory. “Tonight your hopes were heard. Tonight this victory is a victory for a politics that prioritizes people. This win is for all of us.”
I’m humbled to be your U.S. Senator. I promise I’ll continue working every single day to make sure your voice is heard in the Senate. Tonight your hopes were heard. Tonight this victory is a victory for a politics that prioritizes people. This win is for all of us. Thank you. pic.twitter.com/JC9bO6dBq4
— Tina Smith (@TinaSmithMN) November 7, 2018
Housley conceded the race to Smith, saying she had called her “to congratulate her on her victory,” but had hoped for better circumstances.”
“Sometimes God’s plans are different than our own. Now is a time to come together and move forward for the good of the state we love,” she said. “If it’s one thing I’ve learned on the campaign trail, it’s that Minnesotans are really, really good people—and I’ll never forget it. From the Iron Range to the prairies and everywhere in between, the spirit of Minnesotans is strong.”
Tonight, I called Senator Tina Smith to congratulate her on her victory. I hoped for better circumstances, but sometimes God’s plans are different than our own. Now is a time to come together and move forward for the good of the state we love. 1/
— Karin Housley (@KarinHousley) November 7, 2018
Since it was a special election, Smith will again be up for reelection in 2020, and some were already predicting Tuesday night that the two could have a rematch.
Klobuchar had a much easier path to victory and defeated Republican Jim Newberger 60 percent to 36 percent, though the Republican refuses to concede until all the votes are counted.
“The ballot was more than just a ballot this election: big choices and bigger ideals. Minnesotans voted our dreams, not our fears,” Klobuchar, who has been floated as a potential 2020 presidential candidate, said Tuesday. “I am honored and humbled to continue serving as your U.S. Senator.”
The ballot was more than just a ballot this election: Big choices and bigger ideals. Minnesotans voted our dreams, not our fears. We voted for what politics can be—should be—and with your help, will be. I am honored and humbled to continue serving as your US Senator. Thank you! pic.twitter.com/yY5QvKVRTd
— Amy Klobuchar (@amyklobuchar) November 7, 2018
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Anthony Gockowski is managing editor of The Minnesota Sun. Follow Anthony on Twitter. Email tips to [email protected].
