Simonson tells supporters he plans Senate run

State Rep. Erik Simonson (DFL-Duluth) told supporters this morning he would run for the State Senate this year.

State Rep. Erik Simonson (DFL-Duluth) told supporters this morning he would run for the State Senate this year.

State Rep. Erik Simonson (DFL-Duluth) told supporters today in an e-mail that he plans to run for the State Senate seat being vacated by Sen. Roger Reinert.

Reinert announced this morning he would not seek re-election. Simonson currently represents the 7B side of the district.

This is the e-mail, which was forwarded to me:

Friends,

I wanted to let you all know that after careful consideration, coupled with the announcement of Senator Reinert that he will not seek reelection in 2016, I have decided to run for Senate District 7.

It is not an easy decision, as I have enjoyed my time in the House, but I believe in my heart that it is important to bring my progressive and sustainable policy positions, as well as my legislative seniority to the Minnesota Senate. As you likely know, seniority is a incredibly useful commodity in the legislature.

Following in the steps of Senators Sam Solon, Yvonne Prettner Solon, and Roger Reinert would be an absolute honor, and I hope my actions over the past two terms in the House indicate to you I am committed to the future of Duluth, a strong labor community, as well as a focus on our environment and our economic vitality.

You will hear more in the coming weeks and months, but I wanted to reach as many of you as possible ahead of any public announcement. Thank you all for your past support, and I hope I can count on you throughput this campaign as well.

Happy New Year!

Erik

Simonson is in his second term in the House. He’s a Duluth firefighter and former president of the firefighter’s union. He’s been a vocal supporter of rural broadband efforts and economic diversification in Northern Minnesota.

Obviously if Simonson runs for Senate we would also have a primary in West Duluth’s 7B. That seat has seen four different representatives in less than 10 years.

And so it begins.

Candidates, see my “Contact” page and send me any announcements.

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