Hennepin County Sheriff Rich Stanek re-elected

Hennepin County Sheriff Rich Stanek handily won another term as the head law enforcement official of the state's most populous county.

Stanek earned more than twice as many votes as his opponent, Minneapolis Deputy Police Chief Eddie Frizell, who received only 32 percent of voters' support. Stanek said the electorate's support is a validation of the way he's run the department.

"They like what's happening with public safety, they like the reduction in violent crime, and that the community outreach to our diverse communities across Hennepin County is effective and working," Stanek said.

The sometimes contentious campaign touched on deputies' workplace concerns like scheduling. The Hennepin County Sheriff's Deputy Association voted earlier this year to endorse Frizell in the race. Frizell, who didn't immediately respond to a request for comment, argued that the deputies' endorsement was due to low morale in the department. Stanek was endorsed by the Police Officers Federation of Minneapolis.

Stanek's administrative approach and spending was a target of Frizell's criticism as well.

"We certainly heard my opponent's messaging, and we will certainly take it under consideration," Stanek said. "We've already had some discussions internally and with the union."

During his tenure, Stanek has championed efforts to prevent opiate overdose deaths, stop human trafficking and reduce prescription drug abuse, which he said contributed to his election win.

"Those messages resonate with the voters," Stanek said. "They know what they need to protect their families and their communities."

Frizell, a 21-year veteran of the Minneapolis Police Department, served as a colonel in the Minnesota Army National Guard and a commander in Iraq of the Red Bulls Cavalry.

Stanek is a former Republican lawmaker and veteran of the Minneapolis Police Department. He was first elected sheriff in 2006.