Local voters cast their ballots in Tuesday’s primary election

Tuesday was primary election day in Minnesota, and voters in the city of Austin cast their ballots, or voted via absentee or mail-in to narrow the race for Mayor of the city of Austin from three down to two candidates. 

According to the Minnesota Secretary of State’s website, with seven of seven precincts reporting, Steve King garnered 1,455 votes, or 53.4%, Jeff Austin received 768 votes, or 28.1% and Brian Heimer received 501 votes, or 18.4%.  The top two candidates will advance to the November 3rd election with the winner replacing current Mayor Tom Stiehm, who announced earlier this year that he would not seek another term.  

In the DFL primary in State District 27A, with 98% of the precincts reporting, Thomas Martinez has 1,534 votes, or 69.8% to 662 votes, or 30.1% for Joe Pacovsky.  The winner will advance to face Republican incumbent Peggy Bennett on November 3rd. 

In the DFL primary for U.S. Senator, Tina Smith was the clear front runner with 458,865 votes, or 87.1%. The next closest of her four primary opponents was Paula Overby with 27,311 votes, or 5.1%.  On the Republican side, Jason Lewis has collected 178,737 votes, or 78.1% and will likely be the chosen candidate to face Smith this November.