While the Republican party gained control of the Senate and retained control of the House in the 2014 midterm elections, it faltered in Minnesota’s local elections.
Republican candidates Mike McFadden and Jeff Johnson couldn’t turn the tide against incumbent Democrats Sen. Al Franken and Gov. Mark Dayton. Nationwide, however, the GOP managed to hold the majority in the House and take the majority in the Senate for the first time since 2007.
“We had fun,” McFadden said in his concession speech. “Now it would be more fun if I was up here giving a victory speech. But I’m not. But I can tell you that deep down the Republican Party is in so much better shape today than it was two years ago.”
Given the state losses and national victory, Minnesota’s Republicans felt sobered yet confident, according to St. Thomas senior Sara Atkinson, a volunteer for Johnson’s campaign.
“There’s a lot of mixed emotions right now,” Atkinson said. “It’s hard knowing that Jeff Johnson lost, but taking the Senate is a big step. Overall, it’s optimistic for the future.”
The DFL grabbed an early lead in both the Senate and gubernatorial races. St. Thomas’ precinct 6 reported 51 percent of the vote in favor of Franken and 44 percent for McFadden. Precinct 7 reported 65 percent of the vote in favor of Franken and 30 percent for McFadden, and projections predicted Franken’s victory just minutes after polls closed. Dayton pulled ahead with 50 percent compared to Johnson’s 42 percent in Precinct 6 and an even split in Precinct 7.
McFadden encouraged his supporters and thanked them for their commitment to his campaign and family. He said he has strong faith in Minnesotans and the future of the GOP.
“I am proud to be a Republican. We are proud to be Republicans,” McFadden said. “Hold your heads high. The fight has just begun.”
McFadden did not indicate whether he planned to stay involved in politics. Junior Taylor Ness said she would like to see him run again despite this loss.
“I would love to see him stay involved,” Ness said. “He ran a great race so far, and I’d love to see him stay in politics.”
Senior Kathleen Connolly, chair of the St. Thomas College Republicans, said the local loss is unfortunate, but the national wins will yield big results.
“The state Senate and governor we may have lost, but what’s important is we won back the federal Senate,” Connolly said. “That’s a good step in the right direction for our country. Now we have the Senate and Congress, so we can keep the president in check.”
Another significant election result is that, for the first time, 100 women have been elected to the House of Representatives. Connolly said this gives a voice to women in politics.
“It shows that women show leadership in the government,” Connolly said. “Our voice is heard. For me, I’m happy any woman is elected, but honestly, I want people who represent my values, so if it’s more Republican, I’d prefer that.”
State Representative John Kline of the 2nd District predicted a turning point in national politics after the results came in.
“I’m thrilled that we are going to be joining the fight in Washington,” Kline said. “There is still a lot at stake. This will change the nature of what happens in Washington D.C.”
Simeon Lancaster can be reached at lanc4637@stthomas.edu.