A special election to replace outgoing State Sen. Branden Petersen will take place Feb. 9, 2016, according to an order by Gov. Mark Dayton.
Dayton issued the Writ of Special Election Friday for Senate District 45, which includes the north metro cities of Ramsey, Andover and Anoka. Petersen announced his resignation last month, effective Oct. 31, saying the low pay and time commitment made it difficult for him to serve in the Legislature. Petersen, 29, said earlier in the summer that he would not run for re-election.
Republican Candidates who have filed to run for Petersen's seat include former state Rep. Jim Abeler, Andy Aplikowski , Donald Huizenga, Alexander Huffman and Reid Oines. No DFL candidates have yet filed. The primary is scheduled for Jan. 12.
