Peterson defeats incumbent Kupec for State Senate seat by less than five votes

Austin Peterson (R-Hawley)

MINNESOTA (KFGO) – The Minnesota Secretary of State’s Office says Republican candidate for Minnesota Senate District 4 Austin Peterson has defeated democratic incumbent Rob Kupec by four votes.

The district covers most of Becker and Clay counties.

“We are incredibly grateful to have won this race by four votes. It’s a powerful reminder that every single vote matters and every voice counts,” Peterson said in a statement to KFGO. “We recognize that a recount is ahead, and we respect the process. We look forward to seeing it through.”

Minnesota state law states a publicly funded recount for a Legislative race may happen if the winning candidate’s margin is less than half a percent.

“Every vote deserves to be counted. We look forward to the recount process and having every vote counted before the final outcome is determined. I am thankful to our election officials who will ensure a clear outcome,” Kupec wrote on his campaign’s Facebook page.

KFGO News reached out to Peterson for his reaction to Kupec’s comments.