Tyler Kistner concedes election, hints at future run

"I will be announcing my future plans very soon, this is not the end of the movement we have started."

Marine veteran Tyler Kistner has conceded the race to represent Minnesota’s Second Congressional District to U.S. Rep. Angie Craig.

Kistner conceded the election after the Associated Press called the race in Craig’s favor on Nov. 5. The AP’s call came over 24 hours after Craig declared victory and Kistner said that the race wasn’t quite over. Final numbers came in with Craig holding 48.2% of the vote to Kistner’s 46%, or 203,640 to 194,254 ballots respectively.

“I just called Angie Craig and congratulated her on her victory. I am humbled and honored by all the support I have received from Minnesotans across the Second Congressional District,” said Kistner.

Almost all of the remaining votes went to the now-deceased marijuana candidate Adam Weeks, who received 5.8% of the vote, or 24,642 ballots, and whose death caused a legal battle over the final date of the election.

“Despite lots of confusion in this race caused by Rep. Craig’s lawsuit and the courts, we were able to outperform the top of the ticket by 5% and raise more money than any GOP challenger ever in the Second District,” said Kistner. 

In his concession, Kistner seemingly left open the possibility of running for political office again. He said he will announce future plans soon and said “this is not the end of the movement.”

“I am heading out to drill with the Marine Corps Forces Reserves for the next few weeks, and will spend the holidays with my family in Minnesota. I will be announcing my future plans very soon, this is not the end of the movement we have started. Stay tuned,” he said. 

Judah Torgerud

Judah Torgerud is a freelance journalist working with Alpha News to keep the people informed and bring the truth to light. Contact him at whqnu@nycunarjfza.pbz.