Democrats won a major power struggle in the state by taking control of the Senate Seat in District 25 on Thursday. Northfield teacher Kevin Dahle won the special election by 55 percent, ahead of former Republican state representative Ray Cox's 42 percent. Independence Party candidate Vance Norgaard came in third with 2 percent.

The outcome of this election has impact across the state because it means the Democrat majority in the state senate can now override any veto from Gov. Tim Pawlenty.

Dahle, a Democrat and teachers union leader, will replace Sen. Tom Neuville, whom Pawlenty  had appointed to a judgeship in Rice County. Neuville, a Republican from Northfield, had served six terms.

Cox, also of Northfield, owns a construction company. Norgaard is a Northfield organic farmer.

Senate District 25 includes parts of southern Scott County, including the townships of Cedar Lake, Helena, Belle Plaine, Blakeley and the city of Belle Plaine.

 Vote total:

(Independence) Vance Norgaard, 296 votes (2.40 percent)

(Republican) Ray Cox, 5225 votes (42.37 percent)

(Democrat) Kevin Dahle, 6802 votes (55.15 percent)

write-ins: 10 votes (0.08 percent)