Tom Whiteside
Today, former Rick Nolan staffer Tom Whiteside, 28, of Hibbing joined the growing field of DFL candidates for District 6A in the Minnesota House of Representatives. This central Iron Range seat will be open this year after Rep. Carly Melin (DFL-Hibbing) announced she would not seek re-election.
“I am ready to serve and motivated to work to secure and improve the economic future of the Iron Range,” said Whiteside. “This area is special to me, not only because three generations of my family have lived in the district, but also because of everything the area offers.”
In his announcement, Whiteside said that as Representative from 6A he will do everything in his power to ensure that the Iron Range continues to be a sustainable place to live and a great place to raise a family.
“Our next Representative must be willing to commit themselves to the long-term economic success of our area, and I am confident that I will fulfill this duty by working to create jobs and economic prosperity in our community and helping the Range to regain the illustrious reputation it deserves.”
Whiteside is a third generation Iron Ranger and a graduate of Hibbing High School and the University of Washington in Seattle. Whiteside has worked as an aide to U.S. Congressman Rick Nolan (DFL-MN 8) since 2014. He has also previously served on Hibbing’s Human Rights Commission.
“I would be so grateful and truly honored to serve as your representative and I am determined to work as hard as possible to earn your vote,” said Whiteside.
Along with Whiteside, other DFL candidates include teacher Julie Sandstede of Hibbing, Steelworker Mark Larson of Chisholm, Nashwauk Mayor and business owner Ben DeNucci, and car dealer Mike Thompson of Cherry.
Teacher Rob Farnsworth of Hibbing has been endorsed by the Republican Party.
Whiteside said he will seek the DFL endorsement. It’s unclear how many of the candidates will abide by the endorsement process. At least one, Thompson, has said he would run in the primary. Others have yet to announce conclusively whether they would consider going into a primary.
Whiteside becomes the youngest candidate in a district that has favored young candidates the last two times it was open. Melin and her predecessor Tony Sertich were both in their mid-20s when they were first elected.
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