Noecker beats Perez-Vega in close Ramsey County District 5 race

Current Ward 2 St. Paul Council member Rebecca Noecker beat state District 65B Representative  Maria Isa Perez-Vega by just 119 votes to become the next Ramsey County District 5 Commissioner.  The total votes for Noecker were 15,829 anad for Perez-Vega 15,710. There were 22 write-ins. The seat was vacated by Rafael Ortega who did not seek reelection.

Garrison McMurtrey successfully fended off challenger Greg Copeland to win his second term, 65.11% to 33.50%. 

In District 4, Rena Moran was running unchallenged; as was Mai Chong Xiong in District 6.

County Sheriff Bob Fletcher and County Attorney John Choi were also running unopposed and will retain their seats.

In St. Paul, 79% of voters supported the question on the ballot, giving tenants the right to make repairs to their building after written notice to the landlord and repairs not to exceed $500 or half a month's rent.

Statement posted to social media from Rebecca Noecker:

"Over the past 10 months, we gave it our all. We knocked on every part of District 5, reaching over 22,000 homes. We made calls. We attended community events. We showed up for Saint Paul. Campaigns represent so much more than the final result. They are an opportunity to come together, to hear from our neighbors, and to be rooted in our shared values and vision for the future. I genuinely believe that when we collaborate, we can secure a better life for every single one of our Saint Paul neighbors. I am so proud of the work we have accomplished together, and I cannot wait to start serving District 5 as your next Ramsey County Commissioner. I will work for a Saint Paul that everyone can afford, where everyone belongs, and where everyone has a safe place to call home. I'll continue to lead with collaboration, transparency, and urgency. I am so thankful for the support you have shown my campaign over the past 10 months. If you'd like to get in touch, you can reach me anytime at rebeccaforsaintpaul@gmail.com.

Statement posted to social media from Garrison McMurtrey (who is married to District 66 Senator Claire Oumou Verbeten): Thank you District 3 and SD66 for sending me and my partner in justice back to fight for you. Let's continue the work to center economic justice and building a community for future generations. I'm forever grateful."

Statement posted to social media from Peggy Flannagan who was elected to the U.S. Senate: Minnesota, we have proved once again that the many can beat the money - and that no president can ever beat the power of the people."