Field Still Unclear for Northfield Legislative Races

Republicans for the newly formed District 58, which includes the Dakota County precinct of Northfield, are all set for the November election. 

The newly  for the next election cycle—currently District 36—held its endorsing convention on March 31, and incumbents State Sen. Dave Thompson and Rep. Pat Garofalo—running in District 58B—were each endorsed without opposition.

It's a little less clear for Democrats.

The party held its convention on March 10, but didn't find candidates to face Thompson for the Senate seat, or Garofalo for the House 58B seat.

On Thursday, , a former Northfield police officer, was endorsed as the DFL candidate for House District 58B.

Steve Quist, the DFL Senate District 58 chairperson who ran against Thompson for the Senate seat in 2010, said one person has shown interest in running against Thompson.

Plenty of candidates for District 20

The picture is clearer—or less clear, depending on how you look at it—for the new District 20, which the majority of Northfield resides in.

Both parties have several candidates in place for Minnesota Legislative races and their respective conventions are scheduled to take place in the next several weeks.

Former  and Montgomery's  are seeking the DFL nomination for House 20B. Northfield City Councilor Patrick Ganey was a for the House race, but he of the race in favor of running for the for the Second Congressional District to face Republican Congressman John Kline. On the Senate side for District 20, former is seeking the DFL endorsement.

For the Republicans, Lonsdale's  and Wheatland Townships' Rita' Hillmann Olson are seeking the support of their party for House 20B. New Prague's is seeking the GOP endorsement for the Senate race. 

IF YOU GO

WHAT: District 20 GOP Endorsing Convention
WHEN: 7 p.m. April 12
WHERE: New Prague High School, 221 12th St.

WHAT: District 20 DFL Endorsing Convention
WHEN: 7 p.m. May 1
WHERE: Mongomery American Legion, 102 Elm Ave. SW

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