GOP succeeds and concedes in Olmsted County

(ABC 6 News) – There were some wins and losses among GOP candidates in Olmsted County on Tuesday.

The GOP watch party held at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Rochester on Tuesday night was filled with both excitement and upset.

A big win for the GOP came when Senator Carla Nelson secured the District 24 seat. Carlson defeated DFL candidate Aleta Borrud, 58%-42%.

Senator Nelson previously represented District 26 prior to redistricting following the 2020 census. Carlson said, “I just want to thank the voters of Olmsted County, and Dodge County. It’s been a great race, the issues have been incredibly important. I thank voters for trusting me and continuing to work for you. It’s been a real joy to serve and am thankful for another opportunity to serve the great people of Olmsted and Dodge County.”

Redistricting played a major role in the election as candidates needed to campaign to new voters.

For people like Representative Duane Quam in District 25A, he now had to vie for a seat in District 24A. Quam secured that seat by defeating DFL candidate Keith McLain, 64%-36%. Quam said, “it’s a good opportunity to meet different people, and to go back and visit some towns to find out what’s important to people.”

There were seats that were not secured by the GOP including three seats in the Minnesota House of Representatives and one Senate seat.

In a speech Tuesday night, GOP officials reminded everyone at the watch party that win or lose, everyone put in a lot of effort and that nothing goes underappreciated.