DFL State. Rep. Jamie Becker-Finn To Run Against Majority Leader Winkler For Leadership Post

From the Minnesota Reformer:

By Ricardo Lopez

November 5, 2020

A leadership challenge is shaping up in the House DFL caucus, with third-term state Rep. Jamie Becker-Finn of Roseville confirmed a run against House Majority Leader Ryan Winkler of Golden Valley for the post.

The challenge comes just days after the 2020 election saw members of the House Democratic-Farmer-Labor caucus lose their races, narrowing their majority. Though some race results are still being tabulated, Democrats now have a 69-65 majority if current results hold.

“I can confirm that I am running for Majority Leader,” Becker-Finn told the Reformer. “Right now, I am focused on making sure our 69 remaining members are fully supported and come back as strong as ever in 2022.”

Winkler said he welcomed the challenge, calling it a healthy part of the political process.

Becker-Finn, a member of the House People of Color and Indigenous Caucus, is a descendant of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe.

Winkler, who has served seven non-consecutive terms in the House (he resigned his seat in 2015 and lived abroad after his spouse relocated for work), has recently championed issues for communities of color, including supporting a school tax levy in Worthington.

The House DFL will caucus Thursday evening, hours after the Senate DFL caucus will similarly meet to discuss the results of the election which appeared to show a divided Legislature will continue next year.

The Minnesota Reformer is an independent, nonprofit news organization dedicated to keeping Minnesotans informed and unearthing stories other outlets can’t or won’t tell..