Lake County voters weighed in last week on who would and who would not represent them in 2024 and beyond. With the 2024 election in the rear view mirror, it’s time to rest up, go for walks, check out sunrises and sunsets, talk to your friends, family and neighbors, blow up your TV and maybe find a new hobby. We can all enjoy a brief respite before the next election season commences.
Minnesota residents, on the whole, bucked national trends and gave Kamala Harris and Tim Walz 51.1% of the vote with Donald Trump and JD Vance receiving 46.9% of the Statewide vote. Lake County results for President went the other way with Trump/Vance receiving 51.8% of the vote and Harris/Walz receiving 46% of the vote.
In the US Senate race, Amy Klobuchar beat Royce White and will return to the Senate. Pete Stauber defeated Jen Schultz with 52.13% of the vote and will retain his seat in the House of Representatives.
Roger Skraba won the House race for District 3A with 50.77% of the vote to Harley Droba’s 44.27%. Newcomer, Rich Tru, the Forward Independent Party candidate, received 4.64% of the vote. Natalie Zeleznikar edged out Mark Munger for the 3B House seat. David Abazs, Barbara Omarzu and Douglas C Haus will be serving as Soil and Water Supervisors for districts 1, 4 and 5, respectively.
Wade LeBlanc was reelected to serve another term as Mayor of Silver Bay and Erica Jensen, Ben Bautch, James Fitzgerald, Alex Burcum and Brooks Midbrod will serve on the Silver Bay City Council.
James R. Korpi won a seat on the Beaver Bay Council and in Two Harbors, Todd Redmann defeated Laura Osbakken Gouteermont for a seat on the City Council.
Norbert Norman will replace Mark Broin on the Lake Superior School Board.
The ballot measure to extend the use of State Lottery revenue to the Environmental and Natural Resources fund passed with 84% of Lake County residents supporting the initiative.
Natalie E. Hudson was reelected to serve as Chief Justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court. For information on how Lake County residents voted in nonpartisan races for the Court of Appeals, visit the Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State website at www.mos.state.mn.us elections and voting.