Rick Nolan Wins 8th District Re-Election, AP Projects

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – One of the most competitive Congressional races in the country that has also turned out to be one of the most expensive went down to the wire on Election Day.

Incumbent Rick Nolan had yet another close call after defeating Stewart Mills less than 4,000 votes in 2014, but is back in the district seat for two more years. It was a race that was difficult to project from the beginning, with the 8th District going back and forth in previous elections between Democratic and Republican leadership.

Jim Oberstar had been the long-time seat holder in the district, but he was defeated by Chip Cravaack in 2010. Cravaack was then defeated by Nolan in 2012.

Nolan won over voters this year with a focus on restoring the middle class and emphasizing the serious threat that wealth inequality can pose. The Iron Range was key in this race, and that's where Nolan spent an awful lot of time campaigning. He's been playing to the steelworkers and emphasizing the trade agreement with Iron Range jobs.

Because it was projected to be so close, it was also one of the most expensive races in the country. Both Nolan and Mills each put at least $5 million of their own money in campaign efforts. They also received in excess of $10 million in private donations to fuel their TV ad campaigns.

With both parties fighting for control of Congress, a win in the 8th District was key for both sides. The 8th District is anchored by Duluth, the fourth largest city in Minnesota. It also includes the Mesabi and Vermillion iron ranges. It stretches down to the far northern portions of the Twin Cities metro.

Nolan brought in heavy hitters throughout his campaign, including Vice President Joe Biden in late October.

RESULTS

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U.S. House: District 3: Uncontested.
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