In a separate party downstairs from the main DFL bash, dozens of members of the lesbian and gay community watched national results come in on a large-screen television.
They cheered when Democrats appeared to have won Congressional seats and groaned and booed when Republicans appeared to have picked up seats.
Mostly, they were nervous, but optimistic, that Dayton would win.
"I am really excited," said Rebecca Waggoner, 41, a program director with Outfront Minnesota, a gay and lesbian advocacy group. "I know Mark Dayton is for fairness and equality in Minnesota."
Several said they were hopeful Dayton would take swift action on the group's key issues, marriage equality and anti-bullying legislation.
"We're hopeful," said Jacob Reitan, with the Outfront Minnesota Political Action Committee. "This night is the most important election for LGBT voters and their allies because marriage equality is finally in our grasp."
State Sen. Scott Dibble, DFL-Minneapolis, spoke briefly to the group and thanked them of all their help with his re-election. He said he and his partner were married in California, drawing cheers from the group.
