The Ballot Brief
Anoka County, Minnesota

Minnesota Senate District 35

2 candidates are tracked for Minnesota Senate District 35 on the November 3, 2026 ballot: Angela Nelson and Jim Abeler. Candidate information follows official Anoka County election filings; verify with the official election office linked below.

About this race

Angela Nelson (Democratic-Farmer-Labor), Jim Abeler (Republican) are on the November 3 ballot for Minnesota Senate District 35; Jim Abeler is the sitting member, per the Minnesota Senate's official member directory (senate.mn). Nominees were chosen at the August 11, 2026 primary (where contested) or qualified directly for the general ballot. The field is the Secretary of State's certified candidate table; Minnesota prints unopposed candidates rather than deeming them elected. This seat is elected by district; only the district covering your address appears on your ballot.

What this office does

State legislator. State legislators write and vote on state laws and the state budget, which fund schools, roads, prisons, universities and health programs, and set the rules for local governments and elections. Each member represents one district and serves on committees that shape bills before a floor vote. Terms are two years in most state houses and four in most state senates.

This race. Elected by district: only voters who live in the district see this race on their ballot. The sitting officeholder, Jim Abeler, is on the ballot.

Minnesota › Anoka County › Minnesota Senate District 35

Angela Nelson

Democratic-Farmer-Labor

Top priorities
  • lowering everyday costs for working families
  • supporting strong public schools and educators
  • safe communities and standing up for seniors and people with disabilities

Per the campaign site.

Biography

Nelson is an elementary school principal who spent her career in public education, per the campaign site. She is a lifelong resident of Coon Rapids and a mother of two teenagers, per the campaign site.

Jim Abeler

Jim Abeler

Republican Incumbent

Top priorities
  • Focuses on education, veterans, and support for law enforcement and firefighters
  • Points to his record helping prevent the closure of Anoka Technical College and securing a third lane on Highway 10

Per the campaign site.

Biography

Abeler is a chiropractor who has run his family's Anoka clinic for more than 47 years, and previously served 16 years in the Minnesota House and 11 years in the Senate, per the campaign site. He founded PACT Charter School and the veterans' organization Haven4Heroes, per the campaign site.

Next on your ballotMinnesota Senate District 36

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Voting info and more

Voting info and more
Questions about this race

Who is running for Minnesota Senate District 35 in 2026?

2 candidates are tracked for Minnesota Senate District 35 on the November 3, 2026 ballot: Angela Nelson and Jim Abeler. Candidate information follows official Anoka County election filings; verify with the official election office linked below.

When is the Minnesota Senate District 35 election in Minnesota?

Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Registration deadlines, early voting dates and mail ballot rules for Minnesota are on the Minnesota election hub at theballotbrief.com.

How do I see my exact Anoka County ballot?

Enter your ZIP code in the lookup at theballotbrief.com for the statewide and congressional races, or a full street address to add the county, city and district contests for that location.

Verify this race

Candidate roster from official Anoka County and state election office filings, last verified September 29, 2026. Bios and priorities carry their attribution inline.

Cross-check with the official Minnesota election office, or see the full Anoka County sample ballot and your exact ballot by address.

The rest of your Anoka County ballot

49 tracked races in Anoka County, Minnesota. Landed here from another county's search? Look up your own ballot below.

Also on your ballot
Minnesota Senate District 39Minnesota House District 27BMinnesota House District 30BSee all 49 Anoka County races
Candidate profiles
Angela Nelson, full profileJim Abeler, full profileOfficial Minnesota election office