Photo by Jim Muchlinski Anthony Studemann, right, is running for the Minnesota House against Rep. Chris Swedzinski.

MARSHALL — Republican State Rep. Chris Swedzinski will have opposition for his House seat in 2024.

At Tuesday’s Lyon County DFL caucus, Anthony Studemann of Marshall announced that he will run for the seat. He is a lifelong resident of Marshall.

He said he decided to run because of his interest in southwestern Minnesota. He has great memories of growing up in Marshall, where he rode his bicycle around town with friends and spent many hours in the summer at the community pool.

He had his first job at age 12 when he picked rock in farm fields. He said he wants to help ensure that the next generation of young people have the same type of enjoyments and opportunities.

“Chris and I differ on some important issues,” Studemann said. “We disagree on the best ways to enhance rural infrastructure. We disagree on what it means for all citizens to have equal rights.”

He added that he wants to run an issue-based campaign that gives voters a choice between two different outlooks on how Minnesota should build its future.

“Basically I love this area,” he said. “I love the people who make it great. I’m honored to be asked to run for the legislature. I’ll give it my best shot.”

In an interview before the caucus, Lyon County DFL party chair Anita Gaul said she’s happy that Studemann was willing to step forward. She said he has potential to be a strong voice in St. Paul for area residents.

“I’m excited about Anthony’s candidacy,” Gaul said. “He cares about the region and is committed to serving everyone in the district. I think he has a chance.”

Gaul predicated that the 2024 presidential race will be close, as polls show a close race between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump. She said Biden has very strong support among likely Democratic voters in the local area.

“He’s clearly our candidate,” she said. “Dean Phillips (Minnesota’s Third District Congressman in the Twin Cities suburbs) doesn’t have a strong following. Biden gets stuff done. Even with a divided Congress we’re seeing good things.”

She expects that Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar will be easily re-elected to a fourth term. She was first elected in 2006.

She listed support for family farms, support for rural broadband telecommunications and environmental protection as three topics that were likely to take center stage at Tuesday’s discussion of caucus resolutions. Participants create resolutions for the 2024 party platform, which are voted on at the caucus. If approved, they are forwarded to the district and potentially state conventions.

“Rural issues are very important to us,” Gaul said. “We’re concerned about the future of our communities. There are issues that could involve a broad base of support from lawmakers.”

A total of 39 people attended the county caucus. Gaul said she’s pleased with the turnout, that it speaks well for public interest in the political process.

“This is where it all starts,” she said. “It’s democracy at its finest. Some of the resolutions we pass tonight could be a starting point for changing state and national policies for the better.”