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Swedzinski, Drost get endorsements in District 16A House race

State Sen. Dahms receives GOP support; Sanow announces re-election bid

The campaign season leading up to the Nov. 3 general election is heating up as several local candidates running for state Legislature seats recently received party endorsements. Meanwhile, a current Lyon County commissioner announced he is running for re-election.

Rep. Chris Swedzinski received the unanimous endorsement from District 16 Republicans Monday in his bid for re-election in House District 16A. Delegates from six counties met by teleconference to confer the party’s endorsement for two-year terms.

His opponent, Doria Drost, received the endorsement from the Lyon County, Lac Qui Parle County and Yellow Medicine County Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party on Saturday.

“I thank the people of District 16A for their support and look forward to returning to the Capitol and continuing to work on behalf of my constituents,” Swedzinski said in a statement released on Tuesday. “My focus will remain on helping re-open our state for business and helping people get back to work so we can grow our rural economy. It is an honor to represent hardworking people in southwestern Minnesota and I am grateful for their continued support.”

Swedzinski is a farmer and small-business owner by trade. His district includes Lac Qui Parle, Lyon, Redwood and Yellow Medicine counties.

“My main reason for running is to ensure we have representation of all Minnesotans at the state level,” Drost was quoted in a DFL release from Lyon County Chair Anita Gaul. “I’ve been working with multiple grassroots organizations like Women Winning and MN NOW to ensure we build equal representation within the state Legislature. As a young candidate, I want to inspire other young folks to become involved in their government and politics so we can continue to build an even better Minnesota.

“Top priorities I am focusing on include providing relief and support to the agricultural sector, strengthening our infrastructure systems in rural Minnesota, investing in quality public education across the state, and making housing and healthcare affordable.”

Drost grew up on a family farm near Rushmore in Nobles County. She is a graduate of Southwest Minnesota State University, where she earned a B.A. in marketing and political science. She is currently pursuing a master’s in business administration from SMSU.

Also on Monday night, State Sen. Gary Dahms, R-Redwood Falls, was endorsed by Senate District 16 Republicans for his re-election bid.

“I greatly appreciate receiving the endorsement of District 16 Republicans as I run for reelection,” Dahms said. “I look forward to working hard on the campaign trail and visiting with folks.”

Dahms is currently serving his third term in the Minnesota Senate. He is an assistant majority leader, chairman of the Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Finance and Policy Committee, and vice chairman of the Senate E-12 Education Committee. He also serves his district on the Senate Committees of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Housing Policy; Capital Investment; and Rules and Administration.

“I humbly ask for another two years to continue my work ensuring equitable funding for rural schools, responsible tax policies, and assisting constituents during the corona virus pandemic. I plan to use my experience in the Senate to ensure that the voices of rural Minnesotans are heard in St. Paul,” Dahms said.

Marshall resident Josh Prine told the Independent in February that he was running against Dahms as an Independent.

“This country is so divided right now on parties, we need more bipartisan laws passed,” Prine told the Independent. “I want to get in, and I want the people to hold me accountable.”

Also during the Monday Republican conference, David Sturrock of Marshall was reelected district chairman.

On Tuesday, Lyon County District County Commissioner Charles Sanow announced he is running for re-election.

“It has been my pleasure to serve two terms in this position. It is no secret that county residents and businesses are facing significant hardships due to COVID-19 — financial hardships in particular,” Sanow said in his announcement.

“As a county commissioner, I have always been mindful that it is our taxpayers who finance most of what we as a county do. I am seeking re-election because Lyon County needs experienced, cost-conscious leadership, now more than ever. If re-elected, I will continue to be a mindful steward of public resources, while working with all stakeholders to maintain the necessary services.”

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