Knoll Leads Senate District 21 Race
Republican Chris Knoll held a wide early lead over DFL challenger Caitlyn Sanow-Minett in the Minnesota Senate District 21 race on election night.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Elections
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Chris Knoll (R-St. James) held the lead in the Minnesota Senate District 21 race as of 10:10 p.m. Tuesday, receiving approximately 70% of the vote as of 10:20 p.m. Caitlyn Sanow-Minett (DFL-Lake Benton) trailed him, with results still unofficial until canvassing is complete.
Why it matters
The winner will fill the seat previously held by Bill Weber (R-Luverne), shaping the district's representation in the state Senate. Results reported on election night remain subject to change as official canvassing proceeds.
With 59% of precincts reporting and more than 18,700 votes counted, Knoll held roughly 70% of the vote and a 40-point lead over Sanow-Minett as of 10:20 p.m. These figures are unofficial, and the remaining precincts and canvassing could change the margin.
The players
Chris Knoll
Chris Knoll is a Republican from St. James and CEO of Minnewaska Community Health Services who led the race for Minnesota Senate District 21 on election night.
Caitlyn Sanow-Minett
Caitlyn Sanow-Minett is a DFL candidate from Lake Benton who trailed Knoll in the Minnesota Senate District 21 race.
The details
Knoll, CEO of Minnewaska Community Health Services, is a Republican from St. James. Sanow-Minett, a DFL candidate from Lake Benton, trailed him throughout the early returns, which were taken from the Minnesota Secretary of State website. The Senate seat carries an annual salary of $51,750.
Timeline
Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at 10:10 p.m. local time: Knoll held the lead in the race.
Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at 10:20 p.m. local time: Secretary of State results showed Knoll at approximately 70%.
Legislative Context
The Senate District 21 seat, paying $51,750 annually for a four-year term, passes from Bill Weber to whoever wins this race, continuing the office's established structure in the Minnesota Legislature.
Minnesota voters in Senate District 21 will have a new state senator once the race is certified. Results may shift as remaining precincts report and canvassing is completed.
The takeaway
Election-night results are a snapshot, so check official canvassing totals before drawing final conclusions about the Senate District 21 race.
Further reading
Explore more on Minnesota Elections coverage across the state's races.
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