Democrat Bianca Virnig Prevails in Special Election for Minnesota State House District 52B
The special election was called following the resignation of State Representative Ruth Richardson (D).
The special election occurred today to fill a vacancy in the Minnesota House of Representatives. This is the first special election in 2023 for the state’s lower legislative chamber, with no additional vacancies. The Democratic and Republican candidates were chosen through primaries in November.
The special election for Minnesota State House District 52B was called following the resignation of State Representative Ruth Richardson, a Democrat, to focus on her role as President and CEO of Planned Parenthood North Central States. She represented this district from January 2019 to September 2023.
Democrat Bianca Virnig has been declared the winner in the special election. The race was called in her favor as she’s currently leading with 58.23% against Republican Cynthia Lonnquist with 40.88% and Libertarian Charles Kuchlenz with 0.89%. 6,617 votes have been counted.
Since June 2022, Virnig has served as Director of Health and Safety at BrightWorks. She was previously a workplace safety specialist for Hennepin County from January 2011 to July 2019.
Lonnquist was previously the Republican nominee for District 52B in 2020 and 2022 - losing both campaigns by double digits to Richardson.
Minnesota State House District 52B covers a southeastern portion of the Twin Cities - taking in the city of Mendota Heights and parts of Eagan.
Once Virnig is sworn-in, Democrats will maintain control of the Minnesota House of Representatives with a 70-64 majority against Republicans. All 134 seats will be up for regular two-year terms in November 2024.