A special election primary was held Tuesday in Minnesota Senate District 29 to fill the seat left vacant after the passing of longtime lawmaker Sen. Bruce Anderson. The primary determined which candidates will represent the Republican and Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) parties in the November general election.
According to results from the Minnesota Secretary of State’s Office, Republican candidate Michael Holmstrom Jr. won the GOP nomination with a commanding lead. He defeated challengers Rachel Davis and Bradley Kurtz, securing 73 percent of the vote. His closest rival, Kurtz, finished with just under 22 percent. On the DFL side, Louis McNutt ran unopposed and secured the party’s nomination.
The two will now face off in the general election scheduled for November 4, 2025.
About District 29
Senate District 29 covers much of Wright County, as well as parts of Meeker and Hennepin counties. The area has traditionally leaned Republican, making Holmstrom the favorite heading into November, though McNutt’s campaign is expected to rally support among labor groups and DFL voters in the region.
Who Are the Candidates?
Michael Holmstrom Jr. is a small business owner and a longtime Republican activist. His campaign emphasizes conservative values, local business growth, and representing the interests of rural Minnesotans. With his strong showing in the primary, Holmstrom has built momentum heading into the general election.
Louis McNutt, the DFL candidate, works for the Minnesota Department of Transportation and is active in his union, which represents state transportation workers. His background in public service and organized labor is expected to shape his campaign platform, particularly around infrastructure, workers’ rights, and state services.
Remembering Bruce Anderson
The special election was made necessary by the death of Sen. Bruce Anderson, who passed away unexpectedly on July 21, 2025, at the age of 75. Anderson was a well-respected Republican lawmaker who dedicated three decades of his life to public service.
He first entered the Minnesota House of Representatives in 1995, where he served for 18 years before being elected to the Minnesota Senate in 2012. Over his career, Anderson worked on a wide range of issues including agriculture, rural economic development, energy policy, broadband access, and public safety.
Anderson’s passing was a significant loss for his district and colleagues. Many remember him as a strong advocate for rural communities and a leader who brought experience and dedication to the state legislature.
Outside of politics, Anderson also had a long record of military service. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War, and later with the Minnesota Air National Guard and the U.S. Air Force Reserves. His commitment to both country and state made him a highly respected figure in Minnesota politics.
What Comes Next
With the primary now complete, the stage is set for the November general election. Voters in District 29 will choose between Holmstrom and McNutt to decide who will fill Anderson’s vacant seat in the Minnesota Senate.
The race will play out alongside another special election in Senate District 47, which was triggered by the resignation of Sen. Nicole Mitchell earlier this year. Both elections will be held on November 4, coinciding with Election Day.
The outcome in District 29 will be closely watched, not only because of Anderson’s long legacy but also because the district has been a Republican stronghold for years. The general election will determine whether that trend continues or if the DFL can pull off a surprise victory.
For voters, the special election is an opportunity to choose who will carry forward representation of their communities, address local challenges, and honor the legacy left behind by Sen. Bruce Anderson.
