2002 United States House of Representatives elections in Minnesota

none February 2026 September 2023 2002 United States House of Representatives elections in Minnesota Minnesota File:Flag of Minnesota (1983-2024).svg 1983 legislative no 2000 United States House of Representatives elections in Minnesota 2000 2004 United States House of Representatives elections in Minnesota 2004 2002 11 05 All 8 Minnesota seats to the United States House of Representatives Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party 5 seats, 52.21% 5 4 1 1,097,911 49.87% 2.34% Republican Party of Minnesota 3 seats, 42.02% 3 4 1 1,029,612 46.76% 4.74% 280px District results 280px County results Democratic–Farmer–Labor #86b6f2 50–60% #4389e3 60–70% #1666cb 70–80% #0645B4 80–90% Republican #F2B3BE 40–50% #e27f90 50–60% #cc2f4a 60–70% #d40000 70–80% right|300px|thumb|Map of Minnesota showing all eight districts, as apportioned for Representatives elected in the elections of 2002, 2004, 2006, 2008, and 2010 right|300px|thumb|Map of Minnesota showing all eight districts, as apportioned for Representatives elected in the elections of 1994, 1996, 1998, and 2000 The 2002 congressional elections in Minnesota, were held on November 5, 2002, to determine who would represent the state, in the United States House of Representative. Minnesota had eight seats in the House, and the 2002 congressional election was the first held pursuant to the apportionment made according to the 2000 United States census. Representatives are elected for two-year terms; those elected served in the 108th Congress from January 3, 2003, until January 3, 2005. The election coincided with a U.S. Senate election and a gubernatorial election. DFLer Bill Luther, formerly of the 6th congressional district, who was redistricted into the 2nd congressional district, was the only incumbent in Minnesota's House delegation who failed to win reelection. 2 Overview Statewide PartyCandidatesVoteshttp://electionresults.sos.state.mn.us/Results/USRepresentative/32 Home - Election ResultsSeatsNo. Number %No. Number+/– %Democratic-Farmer-Labor81,097,91149.874 150.00Republican81,029,61246.764 150.00Green337,7081.7100.0Independence121,4840.9800.0Other112,4300.5600.0Write-in82,4930.1100.0Total292,201,638100.08100.0 Popular vote #ddd 600px 410px Democratic Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party 49.87 Republican Republican Party (United States) 46.76 Green Green Party of Minnesota 1.71 Other #777777 1.65 House seats #ddd 600px 410px Democratic Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party 50.00 Republican Republican Party (United States) 50.00 By district Results of the 2002 United States House of Representatives elections in Minnesota by district: DistrictDemocraticRepublicanOthersTotalResult Votes % Votes % Votes % Votes %District 1 92,165 34.65% 163,570 61.50% 10,247 3.85% 265,982 100.0% Republican holdDistrict 2 121,121 42.22% 152,970 53.33% 12,769 4.45% 286,860 100.0% Republican holdDistrict 3 82,575 27.88% 213,334 72.02% 309 0.10% 296,218 100.0% Republican holdDistrict 4 164,597 62.22% 89,705 33.91% 10,238 3.87% 264,540 100.0% Democratic holdDistrict 5 171,572 67.03% 66,271 25.89% 18,139 7.09% 255,982 100.0% Democratic holdDistrict 6 100,738 35.06% 164,747 57.34% 21,827 7.60% 287,312 100.0% Republican gainDistrict 7 170,234 65.27% 90,342 34.64% 237 0.09% 260,813 100.0% Democratic holdDistrict 8 194,909 68.65% 88,673 31.23% 349 0.12% 283,931 100.0% Democratic holdTotal 1,097,911 49.87% 1,029,612 46.76% 74,115 3.37% 2,201,638 100.0% District 1 2002 Minnesota's 1st congressional district election Minnesota 1983 presidential no 2000 United States House of Representatives elections in Minnesota#District 1 2000 2004 United States House of Representatives elections in Minnesota#District 1 2004 x150px File:Gil Gutknecht, official portrait, 108th Congress (cropped).jpg Gil Gutknecht Republican Party of Minnesota 163,570 61.5% File:3x4.svg Steve Andreasen Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party 92,165 34.7% MN1 House 2002.svg 300px Precinct resultsGutknecht: #FFB2B2 40–50% #E27F7F 50–60% #d75d5d 60–70% #D72F30 70–80% #C21B18 80–90% #A80000 >90%Andreasen: #A5B0FF 40–50% #7996e2 50–60% #6674de 60–70% #0D0596 >90%Tie: #d2b1d9 40–50% U.S. Representative Gil Gutknecht Republican Party of Minnesota Gil Gutknecht Republican Party of Minnesota thumb Minnesota's 1st congressional district After redistricting the new 1st district was made of approximately 75% from the old 1st with 25% from the old 2nd. Incumbent Republican Gil Gutknecht, who had represented the district since 1995, ran for re-election. He was re-elected with 56.4% of the vote in 2000. Republican primary Candidates Nominee Gil Gutknecht, incumbent U.S. Representative Results Republican Primary Election Republican Party of Minnesota Gil Gutknecht (Incumbent) 25,978 100.0 25,978 100.0 DFL primary Candidates Nominee Steve Andreasen, former Director for Defense Policy and Arms Control on the U.S. National Security Council (1993–2001). Withdrawn Todd Rasmussen, banker and Winona school board memberAssociated Press DFLer says he'll run against Gutknecht https://www.brainerddispatch.com/sports/dfler-says-hell-run-against-gutknecht brainerddispatch.com Brainerd Dispatch 17 November 2025 Winona, MN 28 March 2002 Results Democratic–Farmer–Labor Primary Electionhttp://electionresults.sos.state.mn.us/Results/USRepresentative/31 Home - Election Results Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party Steve Andreasen 19,394 100.0 19,394 100.0 Green primary Candidates Nominee Gregory Mikkelson, small business owner and farmerMatthew Stolle PROFILES Gutknecht, Mikkelson seek GOP banner https://www.postbulletin.com/news/profiles-gutknecht-mikkelson-seek-gop-banner postbulletin.com Post-Bulletin 16 November 2025 8 September 2006 Results Green Primary Election Green Party of Minnesota Gregory Mikkelson 467 100.0 467 100.0 General election Campaign The major issues of the campaign included the Iraq War, agriculture, and medical care.Mark Steil Congressional candidates vie for Farmfest voters https://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/200208/07_steilm_ffestcongress-m/index.shtml minnesota.publicradio.org Minnesota Public Radio 17 November 2025 7 August 2002Mark Steil In 1st District, farming is king. But voters focus on Iraq https://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/200210/11_steilm_1dist-m/index.shtml minnesota.publicradio.org Minnesota Public Radio 17 November 2025 11 October 2002 Predictions SourceRankingAs of Sabato's Crystal Ball50 most competitive House races of 2002 http://www.centerforpolitics.org:80/crystalball/house-competitive.htm Sabato's Crystal Ball 6 November 2002 24 November 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20021106080608/http://www.centerforpolitics.org:80/crystalball/house-competitive.htm 6 November 2002Safe R November 4, 2002 New York Times2002 Senate, House and Governor Ratings https://archive.nytimes.com/www.nytimes.com/learning/students/pop/articles/elections.html The New York Times 14 October 2002 21 December 2023 Safe R October 14, 2002 Results Gutknecht easily won a fifth term, defeating second-place Pomeroy by a landslide 26.85 percent margin, as Mikkelson finished at a very distant third. Minnesota's 1st Congressional district election, 2002 Republican Party of Minnesota Gil Gutknecht (Incumbent) 163,570 61.5 Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party Steve Andreasen 92,165 34.7 Green Party of Minnesota Gregory Mikkelson 9,964 3.8 283 0.1 265,982 100.0 Republican Party of Minnesota Finances Candidate (party) Raised Spent Cash on hand Gil Gutknecht (R) $894,474 $770,207 $187,252 Steve Andreasen (DFL) $123,540 $123,064 $477Gregory Mikkelson (G) $17,285 $16,761 $521 District 2 2002 Minnesota's 2nd congressional district election Minnesota 1983 presidential no 2000 United States House of Representatives elections in Minnesota#District 2 2000 2004 United States House of Representatives elections in Minnesota#District 2 2004 x150px File:John Kline, official portrait, 108th Congress (cropped).jpg John Kline Republican Party of Minnesota 152,970 53.3% File:Bill Luther-BW (cropped).jpg Bill Luther Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party 121,121 42.2% MN2 House 2002.svg 250px Precinct resultsKline: #FFB2B2 40–50% #E27F7F 50–60% #d75d5d 60–70% #D72F30 70–80%Luther: #A5B0FF 40–50% #7996e2 50–60% #6674de 60–70% #584cde 70–80%Tie: #ae8bb1 50% U.S. Representative Mark Kennedy Republican Party of Minnesota John Kline Republican Party of Minnesota thumb Minnesota's 2nd congressional district During the reapportionment that occurred in consequence of the 2000 United States census, the old 2nd district was broken up with the largest portion being transferred to the redrawn 7th. The new 2nd was based in the southern metro area and comprised approximately 41% from the old 6th, 22% from the old 2nd, 22% from the old 1st, 14% from the old 3rd and 1% from the old 4th. Incumbent Republican Mark Kennedy, whose residence in Watertown remained in the 2nd decided to transfer to the new 6th.Tom Scheck Redistricting has confused voters https://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/200209/06_scheckt_6thconfusion/index.shtml minnesota.publicradio.org Minnesota Public Radio 17 November 2025 12 September 2002 Bill Luther, the incumbent Democrat from the old 6th district opted to transfer to the new 2nd, despite his home in Stillwater remaining in the 6th, in order to avoid a match up with Kennedy. Republican primary Candidates Nominee John Kline, retired United States Marine Corps Colonel and nominee for the 6th district in 1998 & 2000 Declined Mark Kennedy, incumbent U.S. Representative (running in the 6th district)Laura McCallum Kennedy opts for 6th District, and possible bout with Luther https://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/200203/25_mccalluml_kennedy/index.shtml minnesota.publicradio.org Minnesota Public Radio 17 November 2025 25 March 2002 Steve Sviggum, Speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives Results Republican Primary Election Republican Party of Minnesota John Kline 22,596 100.0 22,596 100.0 DFL primary Candidates Nominee Bill Luther, incumbent U.S. Representative from the 6th districtTom Scheck Luther opts for 2nd District https://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/200205/13_scheckt_luther/index.shtml minnesota.publicradio.org Minnesota Public Radio 17 November 2025 13 May 2002 Declined Steve Murphy, state senator Bob Vanasek, former Speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives Results Democratic–Farmer–Labor Primary Election Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party Bill Luther (Incumbent) 14,437 100.0 14,437 100.0 Other Candidates Samuel Garst (No New Taxes), marketing consultant, DFL nominee for State House, District 33B in 1998 and for State Senate, District 33 in 2000 General election Campaign Luther, who was first elected to Congress in 1994, was unchallenged in the DFL primary. However, in the general election against Republican challenger John Kline, the more conservative composition of the new district worked against him. Luther's campaign was further harmed by political fallout that was created when Samuel Garst, a Luther campaign staffer, entered the race on the "No New Taxes" line in an attempt to use a false flag to split the conservative vote.Luther, Kline get heated in TV debate https://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/200208/22_scheckt_facetoface/ minnesota.publicradio.org Minnesota Public Radio 17 November 2025 22 August 2002Tom Scheck Second District candidates differ on war with Iraq https://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/200208/27_scheckt_iraq/ minnesota.publicradio.org Minnesota Public Radio 17 November 2025 27 August 2002Tom Scheck Candidates in Minnesota's 2nd District battle over the economy https://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/200210/21_scheckt_2dist/ minnesota.publicradio.org Minnesota Public Radio 17 November 2025 21 October 2002Tom Scheck Luther, Kline face off in 2nd District debate https://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/200210/24_scheckt_2distdebate/ .minnesota.publicradio.org Minnesota Public Radio 17 November 2025 24 October 2002 Predictions SourceRankingAs of Sabato's Crystal BallLean R November 4, 2002 New York TimesTossup October 14, 2002 Results In the end, Garst was only able to secure 4.3 percent of the vote, and the political damage to Luther contributed to Kline winning the election by a margin of more than 11 percent. Minnesota's 2nd Congressional district election, 2002 Republican Party of Minnesota John Kline 152,970 53.3 Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party Bill Luther (Incumbent) 121,121 42.2 No New Taxes Samuel Garst 12,430 4.3 339 0.1 286,860 100.0 Republican Party of Minnesota Finances Candidate (party) Raised Spent Cash on hand John Kline (R) $1,553,133 $1,535,405 $50,091 Bill Luther (DFL) $2,485,486 $3,538,110 $41,588 Samuel Garst (NNT) Unreported District 3 2002 Minnesota's 3rd congressional district election Minnesota 1983 presidential no 2000 United States House of Representatives elections in Minnesota#District 3 2000 2004 United States House of Representatives elections in Minnesota#District 3 2004 x150px File:JRamstad.jpg Jim Ramstad Republican Party of Minnesota 213,334 72.0% File:3x4.svg Darryl Stanton Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party 82,575 27.9% MN3 House 2002.svg 200px Precinct resultsRamstad: #E27F7F 50–60% #d75d5d 60–70% #D72F30 70–80% #C21B18 80–90%Stanton: #7996e2 50–60% U.S. Representative Jim Ramstad Republican Party of Minnesota Jim Ramstad Republican Party of Minnesota thumb Minnesota's 3rd congressional district After redistricting the new 3rd district was made of approximately 87% from the old 3rd with 10% from the old 6th and 3% from the 5th. Incumbent Republican Jim Ramstad, who had represented the district since 1991, ran for re-election. He was re-elected with 67.6% of the vote in 2000 Republican primary Candidates Nominee Jim Ramstad, incumbent U.S. Representative Results Republican Primary Election Republican Party of Minnesota Jim Ramstad (Incumbent) 26,275 100.0 26,275 100.0 DFL primary Candidates Nominee Darryl Stanton, entrepreneur, inventor and candidate for this seat in 2000 Results Democratic–Farmer–Labor Primary Election Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party Darryl Stanton 14,837 100.0 14,837 100.0 General election Predictions SourceRankingAs of Sabato's Crystal BallSafe R November 4, 2002 New York TimesSafe R October 14, 2002 Results Ramstad won election to his seventh term in Congress, by a landslide 44.14 percent margin. Minnesota's 3rd Congressional district election, 2002 Republican Party of Minnesota Jim Ramstad (Incumbent) 213,334 72.0 Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party Darryl Stanton 82,575 27.9 309 0.1 296,218 100.0 Republican Party of Minnesota Finances Candidate (party) Raised Spent Cash on hand Jim Ramstad (R) $1,040,631 $794,180 $891,541 Darryl Stanton (D) Unreported District 4 2002 Minnesota's 4th congressional district election Minnesota 1983 presidential no 2000 United States House of Representatives elections in Minnesota#District 4 2000 2004 United States House of Representatives elections in Minnesota#District 4 2004 x150px File:Betty McCollum, official portrait, 108th Congress (cropped).jpg Betty McCollum Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party 164,597 62.2% File:3x4.svg Clyde Billington Republican Party of Minnesota 89,705 33.9% MN4 House 2002.svg 170px Precinct resultsMcCollum: #A5B0FF 40–50% #7996e2 50–60% #6674de 60–70% #584cde 70–80% #3933e5 80–90%Billington: #FFB2B2 40–50% #E27F7F 50–60% #d75d5d 60–70% U.S. Representative Betty McCollum Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party Betty McCollum Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party thumb Minnesota's 4th congressional district The district was largely unaffected by the redistricting with the new 4th district was made of approximately 92% from the old 4th with 8% from the old 6th. Incumbent Democrat Betty McCollum, who had represented the district since 2001, ran for re-election. She was elected with 48.0% of the vote in 2000. DFL primary Candidates Nominee Betty McCollum, incumbent U.S. Representative Results Democratic–Farmer–Labor Primary Election Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party Betty McCollum (Incumbent) 30,878 100.0 30,878 100.0 Republican primary Candidates Nominee Clyde Billington, history professor at University of Northwestern – St. Paul and chair of the 4th District Republican Party. Results Republican Primary Election Republican Party of Minnesota Clyde Billington 14,052 100.0 14,052 100.0 Independence primary Candidates Withdrawn Peter Vento, Antique store owner and son of former U.S. Representative Bruce VentoBrian Bakst Peter Vento, son of late congressman, files for dad's seat https://www.postbulletin.com/news/peter-vento-son-of-late-congressman-files-for-dads-seat postbulletin.com Associated Press 17 November 2025 St. Paul, MN 17 July 2002Vento's son withdraws from race for Congress https://www.brainerddispatch.com/sports/ventos-son-withdraws-from-race-for-congress brainerddispatch.com/ Brainerd Dispatch 17 November 2025 St. Paul, MN 18 July 2002 Green primary Candidates Nominee Scott Raskiewicz, substitute public school teacher Results Green Primary Election Green Party of Minnesota Scott Raskiewicz 877 100.0 877 100.0 General election Predictions SourceRankingAs of Sabato's Crystal BallSafe D November 4, 2002 New York TimesSafe D October 14, 2002 Results Defeating Billington by a comfortable 28 percent margin, McCollum easily won her second term in Congress, as Raskiewicz finished a very distant third. Minnesota's 4th Congressional district election, 2002 Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party Betty McCollum (Incumbent) 164,597 62.2 Republican Party of Minnesota Clyde Billington 89,705 33.9 Green Party of Minnesota Scott Raskiewicz 9,919 3.8 319 0.1 264,540 100.0 Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party Finances Candidate (party) Raised Spent Cash on hand Betty McCollum (DFL) $736,337 $699,558 $143,546 Clyde Billington (R) $87,613 $87,612 $0 Scott Raskiewicz (G) Unreported District 5 2002 Minnesota's 5th congressional district election Minnesota 1983 presidential no 2000 United States House of Representatives elections in Minnesota#District 5 2000 2004 United States House of Representatives elections in Minnesota#District 5 2004 x150px File:Martin Olav Sabo (cropped).jpeg Martin Olav Sabo Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party 171,572 67.0% File:3x4.svg Daniel Nielsen Mathias Republican Party of Minnesota 66,271 25.9% File:Tim Davis 1991.jpeg Tim Davis Green Party of Minnesota 17,825 7.0% MN5 House 2002.svg 170px Precinct resultsSabo: #A5B0FF 40–50% #7996e2 50–60% #6674de 60–70% #584cde 70–80% #3933e5 80–90%Mathias: #E27F7F 50–60% U.S. Representative Martin Olav Sabo Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party Martin Olav Sabo Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party thumb Minnesota's 5th congressional district Incumbent Democrat Martin Olav Sabo, who had represented the district since 1979, ran for re-election. He was re-elected with 69.2% of the vote in 2000. DFL primary Candidates Nominee Martin Olav Sabo, incumbent U.S. Representative Results Democratic–Farmer–Labor Primary Election Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party Martin Olav Sabo (Incumbent) 33,310 100.0 33,310 100.0 Republican primary Candidates Nominee Daniel Mathias, courier driver and part time college professor Results Republican Primary Election Republican Party of Minnesota Daniel Nielsen Mathias 9,947 100.0 9,947 100.0 Green primary Candidates Nominee Tim Davis, environmental activist and nominee for Lieutenant Governor in 1994 and for U.S. Senate in 1996 Results Green Primary Election Tim Davis Green Party of Minnesota 1,635 100.0 1,635 100.0 General election Predictions SourceRankingAs of Sabato's Crystal BallSafe D November 4, 2002 New York TimesSafe D October 14, 2002 Results Sabo had no difficulty winning his 13th term in Congress, defeating Republican challenger Daniel Nielsen Mathias by a margin of just over 41 percent, while Green candidate Tim Davis finished a distant third. Minnesota's 5th Congressional district election, 2002 Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party Martin Olav Sabo (Incumbent) 171,572 67.0 Republican Party of Minnesota Daniel Mathias 66,271 25.9 Green Party of Minnesota Tim Davis 17,825 7.0 314 0.1 255,982 100.0 Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party Finances Candidate (party) Raised Spent Cash on hand Martin Olav Sabo (DFL) $463,831 $507,209 $162,110 Dan Mathias (R) $9,699 $13,409 $21 Tim Davis (G) Unreported District 6 2002 Minnesota's 6th congressional district election Minnesota 1983 presidential no 2000 United States House of Representatives elections in Minnesota#District 6 2000 2004 United States House of Representatives elections in Minnesota#District 6 2004 x150px File:Mark Kennedy, official portrait, 107th Congress (cropped).jpg Mark Kennedy Republican Party of Minnesota 164,747 57.3% File:3x4.svg Janet Robert Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party 100,738 35.1% File:3x4.svg Dan Becker Independence Party of Minnesota 21,484 7.5% MN6 House 2002.svg 250px Precinct resultsKennedy: #FFB2B2 40–50% #E27F7F 50–60% #d75d5d 60–70% #D72F30 70–80%Robert: #A5B0FF 40–50% #7996e2 50–60% #6674de 60–70% U.S. Representative Bill Luther Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party Mark Kennedy Republican Party of Minnesota thumb Minnesota's 6th congressional district In the reapportionment that occurred in consequence of the 2000 United States census, the old 6th was effectively split into two main parts, with approximately 50% forming the core of the redrawn seat and the next largest portion (around 41%) becoming part of the new 2nd. The new 6th also contained 24% from the old 7th, 14% from the 2nd, 10% from the 8th and 3% from the 3rd. Incumbent Democrat Bill Luther, who had represented the district since 1995, opted to move to the new 2nd and run for re-election there, after Mark Kennedy, the incumbent Republican from the old 2nd, decided to contest the redrawn 6th. DFL primary Candidates Nominee Janet Robert, attorney and former Oak Park Heights City Council member Declined Bill Luther, incumbent U.S. Representative (running in the 2nd district) Results Democratic–Farmer–Labor Primary Election Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party Janet Robert 16,204 100.0 16,204 100.0 Republican primary Candidates Nominee Mark Kennedy, incumbent U.S. Representative from the 2nd district Withdrawn David Reichow, consultant Declined Rod Grams, former U.S. Senator Dave Kleis, state senator Dan Stevens, state senator (running in the 7th district) Results Republican Primary Election Republican Party of Minnesota Mark Kennedy (Incumbent) 22,239 100.0 22,239 100.0 Independence primary Candidates Nominee Dan Becker, state-licensed drug and alcohol counselor Results Independence Primary Election Dan Becker Independence Party of Minnesota 2,199 100.0 2,199 100.0 General election Campaign Corporate ethics became a major theme of the campaign with both Kennedy and Robert running attack ads linking the other to lawsuits involving companies they had worked for.Focus on the 6th District https://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/200208/23_scheckt_sixthdistrict/ minnesota.publicradio.org Minnesota Public Radio 17 November 2025 23 August 2002Tom Scheck Attack ads in 6th District focus on corporate ethics https://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/200209/25_scheckt_nastyrace/ minnesota.publicradio.org Minnesota Public Radio 17 November 2025 25 September 2002Jeff Horwich Sixth district race heats up https://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/200210/09_horwichj_6dist/ minnesota.publicradio.org Minnesota Public Radio 17 November 2025 9 October 2002 Predictions SourceRankingAs of Sabato's Crystal BallLean R Flip November 4, 2002 New York TimesSafe R Flip October 14, 2002 Results Kennedy, who was first elected in 2000, encountered little difficulty in winning his second term in Congress, defeating DFL challenger Janet Robert by a landslide margin of 22.28 percent, while Independence Party candidate Dan Becker finished a distant third. Minnesota's 6th Congressional district election, 2002 Republican Party of Minnesota Mark Kennedy (Incumbent) 164,747 57.3 Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party Janet Robert 100,738 35.1 Independence Party of Minnesota Dan Becker 21,484 7.5 343 0.1 287,312 100.0 Republican Party of Minnesota Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party Finances Candidate (party) Raised Spent Cash on hand Janet Robert (D) $2,180,560 $2,178,467 $2,092 Mark Kennedy (R) $1,901,227 $1,844,908 $24,932 Daniel Becker (I) $8,493 $8,489 $0 District 7 2002 Minnesota's 7th congressional district election Minnesota 1983 presidential no 2000 United States House of Representatives elections in Minnesota#District 7 2000 2004 United States House of Representatives elections in Minnesota#District 7 2004 x150px File:Collin Peterson, official portrait, 108th Congress (cropped).jpg Collin Peterson Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party 170,234 65.3% File:3x4.svg Dan Stevens Republican Party of Minnesota 90,342 34.6% MN7 House 2002.svg 120px Precinct resultsPeterson: #7996e2 50–60% #6674de 60–70% #584cde 70–80% #3933e5 80–90% #0D0596 >90%Stevens: #E27F7F 50–60% #d75d5d 60–70% #D72F30 70–80%Tie: #d2b1d9 40–50% #ae8bb1 50% U.S. Representative Collin Peterson Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party Collin Peterson Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party thumb Minnesota's 7th congressional district Following redistricting approximately 62% from the old 7th remained with 38% from the old 2nd transferring in. Incumbent Democrat Collin Peterson, who had represented the district since 1991, ran for re-election. He was re-elected with 68.7% of the vote in 2000. DFL primary Candidates Nominee Collin Peterson, incumbent U.S. Representative Results Democratic–Farmer–Labor Primary Election Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party Collin Peterson (Incumbent) 35,130 100.0 35,130 100.0 Republican primary Candidates Nominee Dan Stevens, state senator Withdrawn Brad MonsonDan Gunderson In redrawn 7th District, GOP looks to make a move https://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/200205/17_gundersond_7dist-m/index.shtml minnesota.publicradio.org Minnesota Public Radio 17 November 2025 17 May 2002 Leroy Schlangen, dairy farmerMichael Jacobson Farmer to trade cows for ballots https://www.paynesvillearea.com/news/headlinesarticles/archives/022002/leroyschlangen0220.html paynesvillearea.com Paynesville Press 17 November 2025 20 February 2002 Results Republican Primary Election Republican Party of Minnesota Dan Stevens 29,855 100.0 29,855 100.0 General election Predictions SourceRankingAs of Sabato's Crystal BallSafe D November 4, 2002 New York TimesSafe D October 14, 2002 Results Peterson faced no difficulty winning his 8th term in Congress, defeating Republican challenger Dan Stevens by a landslide 30.63 percent margin. Minnesota's 7th Congressional district election, 2002 Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party Collin Peterson (Incumbent) 170,234 65.3 Republican Party of Minnesota Dan Stevens 90,342 34.6 237 0.1 260,813 100.0 Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party Finances Candidate (party) Raised Spent Cash on hand Collin Peterson (DFL) $417,253 $535,219 $123,864 Dan Stevens (R) $209,629 $201,199 $8,431 District 8 2002 Minnesota's 8th congressional district election Minnesota 1983 presidential no 2000 United States House of Representatives elections in Minnesota#District 8 2000 2004 United States House of Representatives elections in Minnesota#District 8 2004 x150px File:Oberstarj (cropped).jpg Jim Oberstar Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party 194,909 68.6% File:3x4.svg Bob Lemen Republican Party of Minnesota 88,673 31.2% MN8 House 2002.svg 280px Precinct resultsOberstar: #7996e2 50–60% #6674de 60–70% #584cde 70–80% #3933e5 80–90% #0D0596 >90%Lemen: #FFB2B2 40–50% #E27F7F 50–60% #d75d5d 60–70% #D72F30 70–80% #A80000 >90%Tie: #ae8bb1 50% U.S. Representative Jim Oberstar Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party Jim Oberstar Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party thumb Minnesota's 8th congressional district The 8th district remained mostly untouched by the redistricting with approximately 91% of the new seat remaining, with 9% added from the old 7th. Incumbent Democrat Jim Oberstar, who had represented the district since 1975, ran for re-election. He was re-elected with 67.8% of the vote in 2000. DFL primary Candidates Nominee Jim Oberstar, incumbent U.S. Representative Results Democratic–Farmer–Labor Primary Election Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party James L. Oberstar (Incumbent) 50,582 100.0 50,582 100.0 Republican primary Candidates Nominee Robert N. Lemen, businessman, former state representative and nominee for this seat in 2000 Eliminated in primary Warren Nelson, engineering consultant and candidate for this seat in 2000 Results Republican Primary Election Republican Party of Minnesota Robert Lemen 13,422 50.6 Republican Party of Minnesota Warren Nelson 13,132 49.4 26,554 100.0 General election Predictions SourceRankingAs of Sabato's Crystal BallSafe D November 4, 2002 New York TimesSafe D October 14, 2002 Results Oberstar had no difficulty winning his 15th term in Congress, defeating Republican challenger Bob Lemen by a margin of more than 37 percent. Minnesota's 8th Congressional district election, 2002 Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party Jim Oberstar (Incumbent) 194,909 68.7 Republican Party of Minnesota Robert Lemen 88,673 31.2 349 0.1 283,931 100.0 Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party Finances Candidate (party) Raised Spent Cash on hand Jim Oberstar (DFL) $1,057,294 $1,030,632 $75,308 Robert Lemen (R) $16,349 $16,887 $623 References 30em External links Minnesota Historical Election Archive Campaign contributions at OpenSecrets 2002 Minnesota Category:2002 Minnesota elections