District 27 Sen. Dan Sparks was re-elected to his fifth term on Tuesday, defeating opponent Gene Dornink.

Sparks received 20,545 votes — or 54.76 percent — compared to Dornink’s 16,948 votes — or 45.17 percent.

Sparks, DFL-Austin, was first elected in 2002 and was re-elected in 2006, 2010 and 2012 previously. He could not be reached for comment as of press time.

Dornink, R-Hayfield, thanked everyone who supported his race and who turned out to vote.

“It’s been a great experience, and I got to meet a lot of great people,” he said.

He noted he knew it was a difficult race going into the election and he believes his did his best.
“Whether we win the race or not, we’ve already won,” Dornink said.

He said he could not say yes or no to whether he would run for office again in four years.

“Four years is a long time from now and a lot can change,” he said. “I’m not saying either way.”