Jim Schultz Demands Transparency and Immediate Action from Local Officials in Shakopee (54A) Election

Jim Schultz Demands Transparency and Immediate Action from Local Officials in Shakopee (54A) Election

MINNETONKA, Minn. – Jim Schultz, President of the Minnesota Private Business Council (MPBC), is calling on the Scott County Commissioners to address promptly significant irregularities in the recent District 54A (Shakopee) state House race and call for a new election in the district. With incumbent Democrat Brad Tabke leading Republican Aaron Paul by a razor-thin margin of 14 votes out of nearly 22,000 cast, and 20 ballots missing, without a new election it is impossible to determine with certainty the will of the voters in District 54A.

“The discovery of 20 missing ballots in such a tightly contested race is deeply troubling and undermines the trust we place in our electoral system,” said Schultz. “Scott County Commissioners have a responsibility to ensure every legitimate vote is accounted for. There must be a transparent and thorough investigation, and the immediate calling of a new election to uphold the integrity of our democratic institutions.”

According to Fox 9 and MinnPost, absentee ballots in Scott County are missing, with Elections Administrator Julie Hanson unable to confirm ballot issuance for 20 voters. These anomalies are particularly significant considering the evenly divided Minnesota House.

“Minnesota’s elections must be fair and accurate, and the public must be able to trust that they are fair and accurate,” Schultz emphasized. “Any hint of irregularity must be addressed decisively to ensure that every citizen’s voice is heard and respected, especially when the irregularity is far beyond the purported margin of victory. The voters of Shakopee and the state of Minnesota deserve a new election.”

About the Minnesota Private Business Council:

The Minnesota Private Business Council advocates for commonsense policies supporting Minnesota industry and innovation and benefiting Minnesota’s workers, families, and communities. Comprised of privately held businesses from a broad array of Minnesota industries, the Minnesota Private Business Council advocates for policies leading to job growth, new business creation and entrepreneurship, and broad-based well-being for Minnesota’s workers and their families. For more information, please visit www.GrowthMN.com.