Goettel, Edelson reelected to Hennepin County Board

Debbie Goettel and Heather Edelson have been reelected to the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners, representing Districts 5 and 6, respectively.

The Hennepin County Canvassing Board will meet on Nov. 13 to officially certify the election results. According to unofficial voting results from the Minnesota Secretary of State’s office:

• District 5: With one precinct still unaccounted for, Goettel has secured 50,838 votes, or 67.9%, while her opponent, Jeffrey A. Beck, received 23,455 votes, or 31.3%. There were also 582 write-in votes. District 5 includes southern Hennepin County, covering Bloomington, Richfield, and parts of Eden Prairie.

• District 6: Edelson defeated challenger Marisa Simonetti with 56,848 votes, or 67.6%, to Simonetti’s 26,563 votes, or 31.6%. There were 728 write-in votes. District 6 includes northern Eden Prairie, Minnetonka, Hopkins, St. Louis Park, and surrounding areas.

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Goettel’s focus on affordable housing and sustainability

Goettel, of Richfield, first joined the Hennepin County Board in 2016 and serves as vice chair and chair of the budget committee. An environmental engineer and former Richfield mayor, she has centered her campaign on expanding affordable housing, promoting environmental sustainability, and ensuring accessible public services across the county. She emphasized that affordability and inflation are key concerns, particularly for lower-income residents, seniors, and those on fixed incomes.

“I am committed to delivering services that are both accessible and cost-effective,” Goettel said in a pre-election statement, adding that she will “continue to advocate for a fair tax levy” to help address residents’ economic anxieties. “Right now, people are worried about putting food on the table, attaining safe, affordable housing, and securing health care,” she said.

Goettel also noted her commitment to addressing the climate crisis through waste reduction and building partnerships across jurisdictions, emphasizing that fiscal responsibility and innovative service delivery must “proceed hand in hand” to meet residents’ needs.

Beck, a former member of the Hennepin County Soil & Water Conservation District Board, emphasized his dedication to representing all district residents.

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District 6 race highlights personal and policy contrasts

Edelson, a former DFL state representative from Edina, described her election night win as both gratifying and energizing.

“I feel great about winning, and I’m really excited to continue the work I’ve been doing,” she said. Reflecting on her early months in office after winning a special election in May, she highlighted her efforts to build strong systems, connect with local leaders, and meet with mayors, police and fire chiefs, and city administrators. “I’m proud to represent our district and look forward to the next four years,” she added.

Simonetti, a political newcomer from Edina, centered her campaign on reducing property taxes and addressing crime. Her bid drew attention after a June arrest for fifth-degree assault, stemming from an incident involving a tenant at her Edina home. Simonetti has publicly referred to herself as the “tarantula tosser” due to her role in the incident.

Edelson acknowledged the campaign’s unusual dynamics and emphasized her commitment to positive campaigning.

“I wish her well. I’ve always been a positive campaigner, even from the primary,” she said. “I think it’s good for democracy when people have choices. More choices are good for our democracy and for the public, and they help candidates become better and serve in a more impactful way.” She added that her own journey in politics, which began by challenging a 23-year incumbent, shaped her belief that “politics is about community.”

Simonetti reflected on her campaign’s reception at the GOP election night watch party in Bloomington, expressing optimism about her next steps politically. “I think this is a great start,” she said, adding that the support she received reinforced her commitment to public service. “There’s more to come.”

In the coming days, she plans to regroup and consider her path forward, with a clear intention to stay involved in Minnesota politics, noting “an opportunity to do a lot here” in the years ahead.