With 13 or 14 precincts reporting in Minnesota House District 31B Republican party-endorsed candidate Calvin Bahr defeated long-time incumbent Representative Tom Hackbarth. Trucking owner-operator Bahr set out to unseat Representative Hackbarth, who was first elected in 1994 and has served ten nonconsecutive terms.
Bahr defeated Hackbarth during his district’s convention and won the Republican endorsement. Despite both candidates promising on several occasions not to primary the endorsed candidate, Hackbarth went against his word and stayed in the race, taking Bahr to a primary.
Bahr says, “I would like to thank everyone who contributed to my campaign. Each of you has given selflessly. You, like those who voted for me, saw a chance to make government more accountable to those it is supposed to be serving. This campaign has been about returning Constitutional adherence and transparency to our legislature. Again, thank you to everyone who believes in me. You have placed your trust in me. For that I am great full. Should I be elected as your legislator in Nov, it will be time to deliver on promises made.”
Alpha News has reached out to Rep. Hackbarth for comment.
Bahr will take on DFL candidate Sue Larson in November. In 2014 Hackbarth won the district with 64.5% of the vote.
