Drazkowski set to take Sviggum’s seat

Republican Steve Drazkowski is set to become the newest member of the Minnesota House of Representatives following his victory over DFL opponent Linda Pfeilsticker in Tuesday’s special election.

In a closely watched race that followed on the heels of the Interstate 35W bridge collapse and subsequent calls for a special session to deal with transportation funding, Drazkowski beat Pfeilsticker 3,762-3,333 (53 to 47 percent), allowing House Republicans to retain their small but veto-sustaining 49-85 minority.

Drazkowski, a 42-year-old cable contractor from Wabasha, will replace former House Speaker Steve Sviggum (R-Kenyon), who resigned in June to become commissioner of labor and industry.

The win cements Republican control of District 28B, which Sviggum held for 29 years.

Speaking at a press conference, Drazkowski described himself as having a background “firmly seated in agriculture and education.” He mentioned taxes, education, health care and transportation as being among his top priorities.

House Minority Leader Marty Seifert (R-Marshall) called the election results “a fairly comfortable win.”

No date and time has been set for Drazkowski’s official swearing-in ceremony.