Persell re-elected over Bemidji mayor in House 4A

Incumbent Democrat John Persell sewed up re-election to the House 4A seat early Wednesday, defeating challenger Richard Lehmann, mayor of Bemidji.

With all but three of he 65 precincts reporting at 8:30 a.m., Persell had 7,685 votes, or 52.85 percent. Lehmann had 6,764 votes, or 46.52 percent.

As a rare DFL survivor in Tuesday's election, Persell will serve a second term.