Merrill, Johnson advance in Isanti primary for special mayoral election

Interim Isanti mayor Luke Merrill and former mayor Jeff Johnson will vie for the city's mayoral vacancy in August after garnering the most votes in Tuesday's primary election.

Merrill tallied 394 votes in the primary, with Johnson receiving 180. Sheryl Davidson finished third with 138 votes.

The special election is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 12.

The vacancy was left by former mayor Jimmy Gordon, who was elected to serve as a state representative in November's general election.

The unexpired term goes through 2026.