Rep. Angie Craig wins rematch with Tyler Kistner in 2nd District

ST. PAUL, Minn. -- U.S. Rep. Angie Craig won her rematch against Republican Tyler Kistner to represent Minnesota's Second Congressional District.

"It is a great honor to represent Minnesota's Second Congressional District in Congress. I always say, this seat does not belong to me, it belongs to the people of Minnesota's Second Congressional District. And tonight I am grateful to have earned their support for a third term," Craig said early Wednesday morning. 

The race between Craig and Kistner was among the closest congressional contests in the country. Nonpartisan Cook Political Report, which analyzes races across the country, identified it as one of just 30 "toss-ups" in the country that could determine who controls the U.S. House of Representatives. 

Kistner conceded early Wednesday.

"I want to congratulate Angie Craig on winning another term. This was a hard-fought race, and we gave the people a clear choice for the future of our country," Craig said. 

In 2018, Craig defeated incumbent Republican Jason Lewis in what is considered to be a highly competitive district that is evenly split between Republicans and Democrats. 

Craig beat out Kistner in 2020 with fewer than 10,000 votes. 

MORE: 2022 Election Results

While Kistner stressed issues like the economy and inflation, Craig focused on her endorsement by the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association and abortion rights.

"It's easy to feel that our nation has become too divided to move forward, but I am committed to working in Congress to bridge those divides, find common ground and do what's best for Minnesota," Craig said. 

The Second District's Legal Marijuana Now candidate Paula Overby died in early October remained on the ballot Tuesday.

In 2020, the Legal Marijuana Now candidate Adam Charles Weeks also passed away suddenly weeks before the election, which led to a court battle. He still received roughly 25,000 votes.