Editor’s note: This story has been updated to include comments from the two Democratic candidates who ran in Tuesday’s primary for House District 49A, Alex Falconer and Kissy Coakley, as well as from Republican House 49A candidate Stacy Bettison.
Alex Falconer decisively defeated Kissy Coakley in the Democratic primary for Minnesota’s House District 49A on Tuesday night.
According to unofficial vote tallies from the Minnesota Secretary of State’s office website, Falconer secured 2,371 votes, accounting for 74.96% of the total, while Coakley received 792 votes, or 25.04%, with all 16 precincts reporting.
Falconer, 43, of Eden Prairie, is the campaign manager for the Campaign to Save the Boundary Waters and was endorsed by the Senate District 49A DFL.
In a statement, Falconer expressed gratitude to those who supported his campaign, including those who donated, knocked on doors, made calls, wrote postcards, and voted.
“I am excited to carry this campaign on through November,” Falconer said. “Our strength lies in our unity, and by working together, we can ensure that our shared values are represented in St. Paul.”
Coakley, 47, a Minnetonka City Council member and founder of Kissy’s Stay Put Services, a nonprofit that supports women in the justice system, acknowledged in a Tuesday Facebook post that the election result was disappointing.
She promised to share more thoughts soon and extended her thanks to her supporters, “my deepest love to District 49A and congratulations to Alex Falconer.”
Republican candidate Stacy Bettison, a 53-year-old business owner and attorney, also appeared on the primary ballot, receiving 918 votes. Bettison’s name was included as part of the process where all party candidates are listed in races with multiple candidates.
On Wednesday, Bettison, the GOP-endorsed candidate, congratulated Falconer on his primary win and expressed her anticipation for a “vigorous campaign” when they face each other in the Nov. 5 general election.
She noted that while both candidates are committed to the environment, their policy approaches differ, particularly in her focus on public safety, including support for law enforcement and school safety.
“My biggest concern is representing our communities’ values and focusing on priorities that matter to people – not partisan agendas,” Bettison said. “I seek to bring balance to the Minnesota Legislature.”
Bettison said that by electing her, voters would be choosing “an independent thinker, who is beholden to the best ideas, whether those ideas come from a Democrat or a Republican.” She stated her commitment to being “the representative who improves schools and student outcomes, protects our environment, supports law enforcement, and creates a better economy for businesses, individuals, and families.”
District 49A covers precincts 1-7 in northern Eden Prairie, four precincts each in Wards 1 and 4 in southern Minnetonka, and one precinct in Chanhassen.
Democratic state Rep. Laurie Pryor of Minnetonka has held the seat since 2017. Pryor announced her retirement earlier this year, opening the field for new contenders.
Results for state and federal offices remain unofficial until certified by the Minnesota State Canvassing Board on Thursday, Aug. 20.
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