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MINNEAPOLIMEDIA NEWS | Abeler–Nelson Senate Race Brings Statehouse Stakes to Coon Rapids and Neighboring Communities
The District 35 contest enters its final week with competing arguments about experience, affordability, education and government accountability.
COON RAPIDS, MN (October 28, 2026). Voters in parts of Coon Rapids, Anoka and Andover are preparing to decide a Minnesota Senate contest that could help determine which party controls the chamber in 2027.
Republican incumbent Jim Abeler faces DFL challenger Angela Nelson in District 35 on November 3. Abeler emphasizes his legislative experience and willingness to work across party lines. Nelson, a school principal seeking office for the first time, argues that the district needs a change in leadership.
An October 27 MPR News report identified the race as a major Democratic target. Abeler won his previous election in 2022 by 186 votes out of more than 34,000 cast.
Candidates Present Their Priorities
Abeler’s campaign identifies education, affordable health care, mental health access, fraud prevention, environmental protection and public safety among his priorities.
His campaign materials emphasize collaboration between parties and support for seniors and people with disabilities. On education, he calls attention to academic performance, school safety and attendance. He also identifies housing affordability as a concern for older residents and vulnerable adults. These are the incumbent’s stated positions, rather than independent assessments of his record.
Nelson’s platform places household costs, health coverage and public education at the center of her campaign.
Her proposals include public preschool for four-year-olds, tax relief for working families and caregivers, lower prescription costs and expanded access to MinnesotaCare. She also supports school-based mental health services, educator recruitment and retention, and stronger campaign-finance transparency for school board elections.
On public safety, Nelson advocates firearm restrictions and greater investment in prevention and behavioral health services.
Outside Spending Adds Pressure
MPR reported that independent spending in the contest exceeded $1.3 million, substantially more than either campaign had raised through October 19.
The publication reported campaign receipts of $133,427 for Abeler and $142,712 for Nelson. Both candidates expressed frustration with attack advertising while continuing their voter outreach.
Those figures describe the reporting period examined by MPR and should not be treated as final campaign totals.
Remaining Opportunities to Vote
Coon Rapids residents can vote early at City Hall, 11155 Robinson Drive NW, during regular weekday hours of 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Additional remaining hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, October 31, and Sunday, November 1, followed by 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, November 2.
Election Day polling places will be open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, November 3. Residents should confirm their assigned precinct and legislative district before voting, since the District 35 contest does not appear on every Coon Rapids ballot.
Candidate platforms are available at Abeler’s campaign website and Nelson’s campaign website. The city provides early-voting information here.
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