Former GOP chair Jennifer Carnahan, others vie in special primary to replace Justin Eichorn

Voters head to the polls in northern Minnesota Tuesday in a special primary to replace Republican Sen. Justin Eichorn, who resigned last month after his arrest in an underage prostitution sting.

Denise Slipy, an environmental health professional and first responder from Breezy Point, is the only DFL candidate in the race and will move on automatically to the April 29 special election.

But there’s a crowded field on the GOP side, including former Minnesota GOP Party Chair and Nisswa Mayor Jennifer Carnahan; Keri Heintzeman, the former district director for President Donald Trump’s 2024 campaign; and Josh Gazelka, the son of former Senate leader Paul Gazelka.

Former Breezy Point Mayor Angel Zierden, army veteran Steve Cotariu, businessman John Howe, ...