Stillwater, Minn. — October 22, 2026
This week, the Minnesota Star Tribune listed Senate District 33 among the handful of races across the state that could decide which party controls the Minnesota Legislature next year. The district stretches through Washington County, from Forest Lake and Hugo south through Stillwater and Mahtomedi, and includes the smaller St. Croix Valley communities along the way.
The stakes could hardly be higher. As the Star Tribune noted, “The margins are absurdly narrow.” DFLers hold the state Senate by just one seat. The House was tied when session ended this spring. Every seat in both chambers is on the ballot this November, so control of the Capitol could come down to a few districts like this one.
The Star Tribune describes Nat Smith as a Stillwater attorney whose legal work has focused on fighting fraud, particularly healthcare fraud. That background speaks directly to a concern many Minnesotans share about protecting taxpayer dollars and holding bad actors accountable.
The numbers show why District 33 is in play. Republican Sen. Karin Housley, who has held the seat since 2013, won by fewer than 2,500 votes in 2022, a margin of 5.6 points. In 2024, the district voted for Kamala Harris by half a point. The district has changed, and this race is close.
“I’m running to put people over politics and focus on what matters to families here in Washington County. We need to lower healthcare costs, keep our communities safe, and make sure our schools are set up for success. I want to be an independent voice for our district, and that starts with listening to our neighbors, earning their trust, and getting to work”
Election Day is Tuesday, November 3. Early voting is underway.
