HOPKINS, Minn. — The race for Hopkins City Council featured some interesting names this November.
Four candidates competed for two at-large positions in this suburb of 19,000, including two incumbents (Brian Hunke and Alan Beck), a former city council member (Aaron Kuznia) and Planning and Zoning Commission member Ben Goodlund. On Election Night two weeks ago, Hunke secured re-election to the first seat as the top vote-getter, while Beck lost his job on the council by finishing last.
The real drama centered around the second at-large council seat, where Goodlund led Kuznia by a single vote — 885 to 884.
"I'm like, 'This isn't even real or possible,'" Goodlund said. "One vote? You never hear of this!"
"One vote!" Kuznia said. "It's like, 'What could I have done more?'"
Kuznia knows this heartbreak too well. Four years ago, in 2019, he lost re-election for city council by just seven votes, although he did not feel that margin warranted a recount.
This time, with a margin of one vote, he requested a publicly funded hand recount from the City of Hopkins. That recount happened at City Hall on Monday, in full public view.
"I would guess anyone being in a similar situation would also ask for a recount," Kuznia said. "The process was pretty unique and interesting to see first-hand, where you have all these eyes on these ballots. They recounted by precincts, and stacks of 25, and everything like that."
Goodlund also watched anxiously, knowing there was a chance that the one-vote margin could tilt either way.
"Absolutely, that was a nail-biter," Goodlund said. "I don't fault him for asking for a recount. If the tables had been turned, it wouldn't have even been a thought. I would have also asked for that recount as well."
In the end, the recount did not alter the outcome of the election. Goodlund actually gained one vote, growing his margin to 886 to 884. The current city council certified those results at the beginning of its meeting on Tuesday evening.
"I am living proof that every single vote matters and counts like never before," Goodlund said. "I have nothing but respect for [Kuznia] and I'm really grateful that both of us were supportive of the process and able to see that play out."
Kuznia offered similar thoughts about his opponent.
"I know I put out a good campaign and I tried my hardest," Kuznia said. "When I lost by two, I went in there and I shook his hand and wished him the best of luck. The process was the process that played out, not in my favor obviously, but I congratulated him and hope he'll do a good job serving the city."
Goodlund, a lifelong Hopkins resident who lost narrowly in his first attempt at council two years ago, will be sworn in officially on January 2. He said two of his main platforms on the council will include government transparency and fiscal responsibility.
"This has been a dream of mine for decades at this point," Goodlund said. "Above all, I'm just excited to get in there, roll up my sleeves, and serve our great people of Hopkins."
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