Falconer wins 49A, Kotyza-Witthuhn holds 49B in Eden Prairie state House races

Editor’s note: This story has been updated to include post-election comments from candidates Stacy Bettison, state Rep. Carlie Kotyza-Witthuhn, and Wendi Russo.

---

Democrat Alex Falconer has won the open seat for Minnesota House District 49A, defeating Republican Stacy Bettison. Meanwhile, incumbent Democrat Carlie Kotyza-Witthuhn retained her seat in District 49B, prevailing over Republican Wendi Russo.

According to unofficial vote tallies from the Minnesota Secretary of State’s office:

With all 16 precincts reporting, Falconer received 16,104 votes, or 60.8%, while Bettison garnered 10,342 votes, or 39.05%, in District 49A, which includes seven precincts in northern Eden Prairie, eight in southern Minnetonka and one in Chanhassen. There were 37 write-in votes.

With all 13 precincts reporting, Kotyza-Witthuhn held her seat with 13,529 votes, or 57.11%, against Russo’s 10,138 votes, or 42.80%, in District 49B, which represents southern Eden Prairie. There were 21 write-in votes.

In District 49A, Falconer’s victory marks a transition as he prepares to assume the seat held by Rep. Laurie Pryor (DFL), who steps down in January after serving since 2017. Falconer, 44, an Eden Prairie resident and campaign director for Save the Boundary Waters, centered his campaign on environmental protection, strengthening education, and expanding healthcare access.

“This is an incredible moment,” Falconer said. “I am deeply honored to have earned the trust of District 49A, and I want to thank every volunteer, supporter, and voter who believed in this campaign. This win isn’t just for me — it’s for all of us who believe in protecting our natural resources, building an economy that works for everyone, and ensuring access to quality healthcare and education for all Minnesotans. Tonight, we celebrate, and tomorrow, we get to work.”

Running for office for the first time, Bettison, a former swing voter, emphasized practical, community-focused solutions. Her campaign focused on fiscal responsibility, educational reform, and balanced support for law enforcement.

In a Wednesday statement, Bettison extended “heartfelt thanks to all of the voters, supporters, and volunteers who dedicated themselves to this campaign and our vision for bringing balance back to the Minnesota Legislature.”

She expressed pride in her team’s efforts and gratitude for the opportunity, adding, “While this outcome is not what we had hoped, I am deeply proud of the work we have done together.”

Bettison emphasized shared goals across Minnesota, including “financial security, safe and healthy families, our children’s welfare and success, and clean air and water.” She noted that differences lie in “what tactics and policies best achieve these goals.”

She also urged the media to uphold integrity, accuracy, and fairness, stressing that “truth and objectivity must remain at the forefront of the media’s coverage, ensuring that no voices are unduly amplified over others.” Bettison concluded: “We are united by shared hopes. Let’s always remember that.”

In District 49B, incumbent Rep. Kotyza-Witthuhn, 37, won a fourth term, defeating Russo, 58, a small business owner, TV host, and community volunteer.

Kotyza-Witthuhn, who flipped the district for Democrats in 2018, expressed gratitude Thursday to voters for reelecting her.

“Our neighbors turned out in huge numbers this year to support reproductive freedom and investments in education, infrastructure, and childcare to build a brighter future for all of us,” she said.

Kotyza-Witthuhn highlighted her commitment to continue working for policies that ensure Minnesota is a place where “everyone is safe and welcome; children can access high-quality care and education; housing and healthcare are abundant and affordable; and workers and businesses can thrive.”

Russo, who aimed to offer a moderate Republican perspective in a Democratic-leaning district, highlighted affordability, public safety, and local control over education as her key issues.

On Wednesday, Russo expressed pride in the “amazing team of Eden Prairie residents and volunteers” who supported her campaign. “Their dedication, unwavering support and faith was inspiring,” she said, thanking those who contributed their time, donations, and talents.

Russo also acknowledged the respectful conversations she had with Eden Prairie residents throughout the campaign, adding that “it was an honor to have been chosen to represent the voice of fiscal responsibility for our government, law and order and a focus on academic success vs political agendas in our Minnesota schools.”

Reflecting on the experience, she emphasized the importance of community involvement in local politics and understanding the issues that shape Minnesota’s future.

The Minnesota State Canvassing Board will meet on Nov. 21 to officially certify the election results.