Hutch claims victory, Stanek waits for certified results in Hennepin Co. Sheriff race

HENNEPIN COUNTY, Minn. (KMSP) - With 100 percent of precincts reporting, the unofficial results show Dave "Hutch" Hutchinson has upset incumbent Rich Stanek to become the next Hennepin County Sheriff. 

Hutchinson, a police sergeant for Metro Transit, beat Stanek 264,511 (49.93 percent) to 262,182 (49.49 percent), a difference of 2,329 votes. Stanek was seeking a fourth term as sheriff. 

On Wednesday, Hutch was welcomed to Minneapolis City Hall by Mayor Jacob Frey.

The apparent sheriff-elect in Hennepin County says he is ready to get to work with an emphasis on protecting the region’s immigrant community.

“My promise has always been that immigrants, no matter their status or documentation can come to the Sheriff’s office for help,” said Hutch.

Hutchinson's campaign has declared victory, but Stanek's campaign said Wednesday the results are "extremely close."

"The information we have shows that this race is too close to call and that the results are not yet official," the campaign said in a statement.

Stanek's campaign said they will wait until the Hennepin County Canvassing Board's meeting on Tuesday before making any further comments. 

“This is Minnesota,” said Hutch. “Not Florida. We have a good county system. It was a close race. But we won. Time to accept it. And let’s start working on bettering the county.”