STILLWATER, Minn. – State Sen. Karin Housley is gaining early traction in the 2018 special election to fill former Sen. Al Franken’s seat.
In a race that is expected to cost millions of dollars, Housley is off to a good start, raising more than $150,000 in the first 12 days since launching her campaign.
“The outpouring of support that I have received since launching my campaign has been tremendous and humbling,” Housley said in a press release. “It is clear that Minnesotans are ready for a new voice in Washington. This was a great beginning to the campaign, but we are just getting started!”
Housley is the first Republican to announce a bid for Franken’s seat. However, others are expected to throw their hat in the ring. Former Gov. Tim Pawlenty has been floated as a potential candidate, and former U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann has announced she is considering joining the race.
Democrat Tina Smith, Franken’s temporary replacement, has already announced plans to run for the seat in November.
