As election officials around the state of Minnesota launch a recount for the state governor’s race, Stearns County officials are also recounting 6,500 ballots in the race for House District 15B. In the first tally last month, Republican King Banaian defeated Democrat Carol Lewis by just 10 votes, which by state law is too close to call and requires mandatory recount. Last week, KVSC News asked the candidates how they’re preparing in case they win.

"I’m going to be prepared so that if indeed the initial result stands through the recount, I am ready to go to work on January 3rd," said King Banaian.

"I’ve been reading up on issues, but I normally do that anyway. I haven’t been doing anything extra in order to prepare because we have to really wait until the outcome is decided by the state canvassing board," said Carol Lewis.

Stearns County says the process is expected to take the entire week, with the recount wrapping up on Friday, December 3rd.