A whirlwind special election for the vacant state Senate seat will be decided Tuesday, which will bring a new senator to the area that encompasses the University of Minnesota area for the first time in 30 years. 

Democratic-Farmer-Labor candidate Kari Dziedzic and Republican Ben Schwanke are vying for the Senate District 59 seat left behind by Larry Pogemiller, who became the director of the Minnesota Department of Higher Education.

The Minnesota Daily caught up with both candidates to discuss the election and their vision for their role in representing the University area in the state Legislature.

Polls will be open Tuesday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. To find polling places, go to the Minnesota Secretary of StateâÄôs website.

Check back to the Daily on election night for the results of the election.