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All 8 Minnesota seats to theUnited States House of Representatives | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The2012 United States House of Representatives elections in Minnesota were held on Tuesday, November 6, 2012, to elect the eightU.S. representatives from the state ofMinnesota. The elections coincided with the elections of other federal and state offices, including a quadrennialpresidential election and anelection to the U.S. Senate.Primary elections were held on August 14, 2012.[1]
| United States House of Representatives elections in Minnesota, 2012[2] | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Votes | Percentage | Seats before | Seats after | +/– | |
| Democratic-Farmer-Labor | 1,560,984 | 55.48% | 4 | 5 | +1 | |
| Republican | 1,210,409 | 43.02% | 4 | 3 | -1 | |
| Independence | 36,433 | 1.29% | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Others | 5,557 | 0.20% | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Totals | 2,813,383 | 100.00% | 8 | 8 | — | |
Aredistricting plan was proposed byRepublicans in theMinnesota Legislature on May 9, 2011.[3] The plan was passed by theMinnesota House of Representatives on May 13[4] and theMinnesota Senate on May 18,[5] but wasvetoed byDemocraticGovernorMark Dayton on May 19.[6]
In February 2012, a state court panel redrew Minnesota's congressional boundaries with the effect of enacting a "least-change" map.[7]
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 Precinct results Walz: 40–50% 50–60% 60–70% 70–80% 80–90% >90% Quist: 50–60% 60–70% 70–80% 80–90% Tie: 40–50% 50% No votes | |||||||||||||||||
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DemocratTim Walz, who had representedMinnesota's 1st congressional district since 2007, sought re-election. In redistricting,Murray County,Pipestone County and half ofCottonwood County were moved from the 1st district to the7th, andWabasha County was moved from the 1st district to the2nd, whileLe Sueur County and most ofRice County were moved from the 2nd district to the 1st. The 1st district was expected to continue to slightly favor Republicans.[7]
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic (DFL) | Tim Walz (incumbent) | 15,697 | 100.0 | |
| Total votes | 15,697 | 100.0 | ||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Allen Quist | 12,540 | 54.1 | |
| Republican | Mike Parry | 10,622 | 45.9 | |
| Total votes | 23,162 | 100.0 | ||
Organizations
| Source | Ranking | As of |
|---|---|---|
| The Cook Political Report[29] | Safe D | November 5, 2012 |
| Rothenberg[30] | Safe D | November 2, 2012 |
| Roll Call[31] | Safe D | November 4, 2012 |
| Sabato's Crystal Ball[32] | Safe D | November 5, 2012 |
| NY Times[33] | Safe D | November 4, 2012 |
| RCP[34] | Safe D | November 4, 2012 |
| The Hill[35] | Safe D | November 4, 2012 |
Walz handily dispatched Quist in the election, garnering 58% of the vote.[36]
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic (DFL) | Tim Walz (incumbent) | 193,211 | 57.5 | |
| Republican | Allen Quist | 142,164 | 42.3 | |
| Write-in | 505 | 0.2 | ||
| Total votes | 335,880 | 100.00 | ||
| Democratic (DFL)hold | ||||
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 Precinct results Kline: 50–60% 60–70% 70–80% Obermueller: 40–50% 50–60% 60–70% 70–80% >90% Tie: 40–50% No votes | |||||||||||||||||
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RepublicanJohn Kline, who had representedMinnesota's 2nd congressional district since 2003, sought re-election.
In redistricting,Le Sueur County andRice County were moved from the 2nd district to the1st, andCarver County was moved from the 2nd district to the3rd and6th, whileWest St. Paul and parts ofSouth St. Paul were moved from the4th district to the 2nd. The 2nd district was made slightly more favorable to Democrats, but continues to favor Republicans.[7]
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | John Kline (incumbent) | 15,859 | 85.1 | |
| Republican | David Gerson | 2,772 | 14.9 | |
| Total votes | 18,631 | 100.0 | ||
Patrick Ganey, a member of theNorthfield City Council;[38]Kathleen Gaylord, a member of theDakota County Commission;[39] formerstate RepresentativeMike Obermueller;[40] and Dan Powers, a former small business owner who unsuccessfully sought the DFL nomination in the 2nd district in2010,[41] sought theDemocratic-Farmer-Labor Party nomination to challenge Kline. At the congressional district convention, the party endorsedMike Obermueller.
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic (DFL) | Mike Obermueller | 11,628 | 100.0 | |
| Total votes | 11,628 | 100.0 | ||
Organizations
| Poll source | Date(s) administered | Sample size | Margin of error | John Kline (R) | Mike Obermueller (D) | Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SurveyUSA[43] | October 17–18, 2012 | 565 | ±4.2% | 49% | 41% | 11% |
| Source | Ranking | As of |
|---|---|---|
| The Cook Political Report[44] | Likely R | November 5, 2012 |
| Rothenberg[30] | Safe R | November 2, 2012 |
| Roll Call[31] | Likely R | November 4, 2012 |
| Sabato's Crystal Ball[32] | Likely R | November 5, 2012 |
| NY Times[33] | Lean R | November 4, 2012 |
| RCP[34] | Safe R | November 4, 2012 |
| The Hill[35] | Likely R | November 4, 2012 |
Despite a strong challenge from Obermueller, Kline prevailed.[45]
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | John Kline (incumbent) | 193,587 | 54.0 | |
| Democratic (DFL) | Mike Obermueller | 164,338 | 45.9 | |
| Write-in | 521 | 0.1 | ||
| Total votes | 358,446 | 100.0 | ||
| Republicanhold | ||||
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 Precinct results Paulsen: 40–50% 50–60% 60–70% 70–80% >90% Barnes: 40–50% 50–60% 60–70% 70–80% No votes | |||||||||||||||||
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RepublicanErik Paulsen, who had representedMinnesota's 3rd congressional district since 2009 sought re-election.
In redistricting, the 3rd district was expanded to include easternCarver County, while part of the northeasternMinneapolis–Saint Paulmetro area was moved to the5th. The district was made more favorable to Republicans.
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Erik Paulsen (incumbent) | 18,672 | 90.2 | |
| Republican | John W. Howard III | 2,032 | 9.8 | |
| Total votes | 20,704 | 100.0 | ||
Brian Barnes, anEdina businessman and formerNavy Reserve officer[46] and Sharon Sund, aPlymouthscientist and small-business owner[47] sought theDemocratic-Farmer-Labor Party nomination to challenge Paulsen. In the third district Democratic convention, Barnes won the party endorsement and Sund backed his candidacy.[48] Sund was subsequently elected chair of theHennepin CountyDemocratic-Farmer-Labor Party.[49]
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic (DFL) | Brian Barnes | 11,786 | 100.0 | |
| Total votes | 11,786 | 100.0 | ||
Organizations
| Source | Ranking | As of |
|---|---|---|
| The Cook Political Report | Safe R | November 5, 2012 |
| Rothenberg[30] | Safe R | November 2, 2012 |
| Roll Call[31] | Safe R | November 4, 2012 |
| Sabato's Crystal Ball[32] | Safe R | November 5, 2012 |
| NY Times[33] | Safe R | November 4, 2012 |
| RCP[34] | Safe R | November 4, 2012 |
| The Hill[35] | Safe R | November 4, 2012 |
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Erik Paulsen (incumbent) | 222,335 | 58.1 | |
| Democratic (DFL) | Brian Barnes | 159,937 | 41.8 | |
| Write-in | 433 | 0.1 | ||
| Total votes | 382,705 | 100.0 | ||
| Republicanhold | ||||
Paulsen received 58% of the vote, defeating Barnes, who received 42%.[51][52]
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 Precinct results McCollum: 40–50% 50–60% 60–70% 70–80% 80–90% Hernandez: 40–50% 50–60% 60–70% Tie: 50% No votes | |||||||||||||||||||||
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DemocratBetty McCollum, who had representedMinnesota's 4th congressional district since 2001, sought re-election. In redistricting, the 4th district was made slightly more favorable to Republicans, but continues to strongly favor Democrats.[7]
The home of Republican U.S. RepresentativeMichele Bachmann, who had representedMinnesota's 6th congressional district since 2007, was drawn into the 4th district in redistricting; however, Bachmann sought re-election in the 6th district.[7]
McCollum retained her seat, defeating Hernandez.[51]
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic (DFL) | Betty McCollum (incumbent) | 27,291 | 84.2 | |
| Democratic (DFL) | Diana Longrie | 3,212 | 9.9 | |
| Democratic (DFL) | Brian Stalboerger | 1,913 | 5.9 | |
| Total votes | 32,416 | 100.0 | ||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Tony Hernandez | 6,876 | 64.1 | |
| Republican | Ron Seiford | 3,856 | 35.9 | |
| Total votes | 10,732 | 100.0 | ||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Independence | Steve Carlson | 545 | 100.0 | |
| Total votes | 545 | 100.0 | ||
Organizations
| Source | Ranking | As of |
|---|---|---|
| The Cook Political Report[29] | Safe D | November 5, 2012 |
| Rothenberg[30] | Safe D | November 2, 2012 |
| Roll Call[31] | Safe D | November 4, 2012 |
| Sabato's Crystal Ball[32] | Safe D | November 5, 2012 |
| NY Times[33] | Safe D | November 4, 2012 |
| RCP[34] | Safe D | November 4, 2012 |
| The Hill[35] | Safe D | November 4, 2012 |
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic (DFL) | Betty McCollum (incumbent) | 216,685 | 62.3 | |
| Republican | Tony Hernandez | 109,659 | 31.5 | |
| Independence | Steve Carlson | 21,135 | 6.1 | |
| Write-in | 512 | 0.1 | ||
| Total votes | 347,991 | 100.0 | ||
| Democratic (DFL)hold | ||||
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 Precinct results Ellison: 50–60% 60–70% 70–80% 80–90% >90% Fields: 50–60% No votes | |||||||||||||||||
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Minnesota's 5th congressional district has been represented by DemocratKeith Ellison since 2007. Gary Boisclair, ananti-abortion activist, and Gregg Iverson unsuccessfully challenged Ellison in the Democratic primary.[59] In redistricting, the 5th district was expanded to include parts ofBrooklyn Center,Edina andMinnetonka, and continued to strongly favor Democrats.[7]
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic (DFL) | Keith Ellison (incumbent) | 30,609 | 89.6 | |
| Democratic (DFL) | Gregg A. Iverson | 2,143 | 6.3 | |
| Democratic (DFL) | Gary Boisclair | 1,397 | 4.1 | |
| Total votes | 34,149 | 100.0 | ||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Chris Fields | 5,966 | 100.0 | |
| Total votes | 5,966 | 100.0 | ||
Organizations
| Source | Ranking | As of |
|---|---|---|
| The Cook Political Report[29] | Safe D | November 5, 2012 |
| Rothenberg[30] | Safe D | November 2, 2012 |
| Roll Call[31] | Safe D | November 4, 2012 |
| Sabato's Crystal Ball[32] | Safe D | November 5, 2012 |
| NY Times[33] | Safe D | November 4, 2012 |
| RCP[34] | Safe D | November 4, 2012 |
| The Hill[35] | Safe D | November 4, 2012 |
Ellison easily defeated Fields, carrying about 75% of the vote.[63]
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic (DFL) | Keith Ellison (incumbent) | 262,102 | 74.5 | |
| Republican | Chris Fields | 88,753 | 25.2 | |
| Write-in | 1,114 | 0.3 | ||
| Total votes | 351,969 | 100.0 | ||
| Democratic (DFL)hold | ||||
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 Precinct results Bachmann: 40–50% 50–60% 60–70% >90% Graves: 50–60% 60–70% 70–80% >90% Tie: 40–50% No votes | |||||||||||||||||
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Michele Bachmann, who had representedMinnesota's 6th congressional district since 2007 and unsuccessfully sought theRepublican presidential nomination in 2012,[64] sought re-election.[65]
In redistricting, the 6th district was expanded to includeCarver County and was made more favorable to Republicans.[7]
Ron Seiford, anadjunct business instructor atWoodbury'sGlobe College,[66] and Aubrey Immelman unsuccessfully challenged her in the Republican nomination, though Bachmann won by the lowest margin of any incumbent Republican congressional candidate in 50 years.[54][67][68]
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Michele Bachmann (incumbent) | 14,569 | 80.3 | |
| Republican | Stephen Thompson | 2,322 | 12.8 | |
| Republican | Aubrey Immelman | 1,242 | 6.9 | |
| Total votes | 18,133 | 100.0 | ||
Jim Graves, a hotel executive,[69] won theDemocratic-Farmer-Labor Party nomination at the party's convention in April 2012.[48]
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic (DFL) | Jim Graves | 8,600 | 100.0 | |
| Total votes | 8,600 | 100.0 | ||
Organizations
Labor unions
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| Poll source | Date(s) administered | Sample size | Margin of error | Michele Bachmann (R) | Jim Graves (D) | Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pulse Opinion Research[75] | October 16, 2012 | 1,000 | ±3.0% | 51% | 45% | 6% |
| SurveyUSA[76] | October 9–11, 2012 | 598 | ±4.1% | 50% | 41% | 9% |
| Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research Graves (D)[77] | October 4–5, 2012 | 403 | ±4.9% | 47% | 45% | 7% |
| Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research Graves (D)[78] | August 29–30, 2012 | 401 | ±?% | 48% | 46% | 6% |
| Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research Graves (D)[79] | June 12–14, 2012 | 505 | ±4.4% | 48% | 43% | 9% |
| Source | Ranking | As of |
|---|---|---|
| The Cook Political Report | Lean R | November 5, 2012 |
| Rothenberg[30] | Lean R | November 2, 2012 |
| Roll Call[31] | Lean R | November 4, 2012 |
| Sabato's Crystal Ball[32] | Likely R | November 5, 2012 |
| NY Times[33] | Safe R | November 4, 2012 |
| RCP[34] | Lean R | November 4, 2012 |
| The Hill[35] | Lean R | November 4, 2012 |
Bachmann narrowly retained the seat, receiving 4,298 more votes than Graves.[80]
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Michele Bachmann (incumbent) | 179,240 | 50.5 | |
| Democratic (DFL) | Jim Graves | 174,944 | 49.3 | |
| Write-in | 969 | 0.2 | ||
| Total votes | 355,153 | 100.0 | ||
| Republicanhold | ||||
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 Precinct results Peterson: 40–50% 50–60% 60–70% 70–80% 80–90% >90% Byberg: 40–50% 50–60% 60–70% 70–80% 80–90% >90% Tie: 40–50% 50% No votes | |||||||||||||||||
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DemocratCollin Peterson, who had representedMinnesota's 7th congressional district since 1991, sought re-election.[81] In redistricting, the 7th district was expanded to include rural counties in southern Minnesota, while cities were moved from the6th and8th districts into the 7th.[7]
Organizations
| Source | Ranking | As of |
|---|---|---|
| The Cook Political Report | Safe D | November 5, 2012 |
| Rothenberg[30] | Safe D | November 2, 2012 |
| Roll Call[31] | Safe D | November 4, 2012 |
| Sabato's Crystal Ball[32] | Safe D | November 5, 2012 |
| NY Times[33] | Safe D | November 4, 2012 |
| RCP[34] | Safe D | November 4, 2012 |
| The Hill[35] | Likely D | November 4, 2012 |
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic (DFL) | Collin C. Peterson (incumbent) | 197,791 | 60.4 | |
| Republican | Lee Byberg | 114,151 | 34.8 | |
| Independence | Adam Steele | 15,298 | 4.7 | |
| Write-in | 336 | 0.1 | ||
| Total votes | 327,576 | 100.0 | ||
| Democratic (DFL)hold | ||||
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 Precinct results Nolan: 50–60% 60–70% 70–80% 80–90% >90% Cravaack: 40–50% 50–60% 60–70% 70–80% 80–90% >90% Tie: 40–50% 50% No votes | |||||||||||||||||
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RepublicanChip Cravaack, who was first elected to representMinnesota's 8th congressional district in 2010, sought re-election.
In redistricting, the 8th district was not significantly changed and remained competitive.[7]
Cravaack was endorsed by theMesabi Daily News inVirginia and theDuluth News Tribune.[84] On November 6, he lost his seat to former Democratic congressmanRick Nolan, 54% to 45%.
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Chip Cravaack (incumbent) | 20,471 | 100.0 | |
| Total votes | 20,471 | 100.0 | ||
Nolan was victorious in a February 2012caucus, receiving 1,537 votes to Anderson's 1,008 and Clark's 408. 269 uncommitted votes were cast.
Delegates to aconvention held in May 2012 could endorse one candidate, but candidates who did not receive the party's endorsement were nonetheless able to run in the August 2012primary.[95]
Labor unions
Organizations
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic (DFL) | Richard Nolan | 20,840 | 38.3 | |
| Democratic (DFL) | Tarryl L. Clark | 17,554 | 32.2 | |
| Democratic (DFL) | Jeff Anderson | 16,035 | 29.5 | |
| Total votes | 54,429 | 100.0 | ||
Organizations
| Poll source | Date(s) administered | Sample size | Margin of error | Chip Cravaack (R) | Rick Nolan (D) | Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SurveyUSA[100] | November 1–3, 2012 | 585 | ±4.1% | 45% | 47% | 8% |
| Public Policy Polling[101] | October 25–26, 2012 | 1,020 | ±3.8% | 44% | 48% | 8% |
| OnMessage (R-Cravaack)[102] | October 24–25, 2012 | 400 | ±4.9% | 50% | 40% | 10% |
| Pulse Opinion Research[103] | October 16, 2012 | 1,000 | ±3.0% | 43% | 50% | 7% |
| Victoria Research (D-Nolan)[104] | October 7–8, 2012 | 400 | ±4.9% | 44% | 48% | 8% |
| Global Strategy (D-DCCC)[105] | October 4–7, 2012 | 405 | ±4.9% | 42% | 42% | 16% |
| SurveyUSA[106] | September 6–9, 2012 | 578 | ±4.3% | 45% | 46% | 9% |
| GBA Strategies (D-House Majority PAC)[107] | August 26–27, 2012 | 400 | ±4.9% | 44% | 47% | 9% |
| Global Strategy (D-DCCC)[108] | August 21–29, 2012 | 400 | ±4.9% | 44% | 45% | 11% |
| Source | Ranking | As of |
|---|---|---|
| The Cook Political Report | Tossup | November 5, 2012 |
| Rothenberg[30] | Tossup | November 2, 2012 |
| Roll Call[31] | Tossup | November 4, 2012 |
| Sabato's Crystal Ball[32] | Lean D(flip) | November 5, 2012 |
| NY Times[33] | Tossup | November 4, 2012 |
| RCP[34] | Tossup | November 4, 2012 |
| The Hill[35] | Tossup | November 4, 2012 |
Nolan triumphed over Cravaack, receiving 54% of the vote.[109]
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic (DFL) | Rick Nolan | 191,976 | 54.3 | |
| Republican | Chip Cravaack (incumbent) | 160,520 | 45.4 | |
| Write-in | 1,167 | 0.3 | ||
| Total votes | 353,663 | 100.0 | ||
| Democratic (DFL)gain fromRepublican | ||||
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