Persell holds off challenger Thorson to advance to general election in House 4A

Incumbent John Persell, DFL-Bemidji, will advance to the Nov. 2 general election in Minnesota House District 4A after holding off a challenge from Mark Thorson in Tuesday's primary.

Persell received 2,383 votes to Thorson's 1,334. Persell will face Bemidji Mayor Richard Lehmann, a Republican, in the November election.

In the largest turnout of the day at Northern Township, Thorson garnered 155 votes, only 13 fewer than Persell.