Nolan Fends Off GOP’s Mills In 8th District

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - Rep. Rick Nolan has fended off a strong GOP challenger to hold onto Minnesota's 8th District in what was among the most expensive congressional races in the country.

He beat Fleet Farm scion and political newcomer Stewart Mills to win a second term of his second stint in Congress. The Democrat previously served in the 1970s.

The northeastern Minnesota district's swing status made it one of the most competitive House races in this election cycle. More than $10 million in outside spending had poured in by the campaign's final week.

Nolan beat freshman Republican Chip Cravaack in 2012 to win the seat. Before Cravaack's shocking 2010 victory, the district had been held by a Democrat since World War II.