Photo courtesy of Hunter McFall Hunter McFall, a Grante Falls resident and paramedic, is one of three Republican candidates who have announced they will run for the Minnesota state House of Representatives in District 15A. The district is currently represented by Rep. Chris Swedzinski.

GRANITE FALLS — A Granite Falls resident is one of the three Republican candidates who are running for the Minnesota House of Representatives in District 15A. Hunter McFall announced this week that he will run for the seat, after current Rep. Chris Swedzinski said he will not seek reelection.

“It is my distinct honor to announce my candidacy for the Minnesota House of Representatives,” McFall said in a news release. “Having been born and raised in rural southwest Minnesota, I have witnessed both the successes and the challenges our communities face.”

McFall has a background in emergency medical services. He worked as an EMT from 2019 to 2022, and is currently a paramedic with Avera Granite Falls Ambulance and CentraCare Ambulance in Willmar. He is also an EMS educator at Ridgewater College.

“Public service is not just an occupation – it is a calling,” McFall said in his release. “Through my work in EMS and education, a few things have become very clear: rural healthcare disparities are growing, fraud in St. Paul must be addressed with stronger accountability, and our aging population requires proactive solutions. We must also create meaningful incentives for families to put down roots and grow in our welcoming communities.”

McFall said his top priorities would include strengthening rural healthcare and ambulance services, increasing accountability and transparency in state government, and working to promote economic development and population growth in rural Minnesota.

Area Republican party members are in the process of organizing an endorsing convention for House District 15A, which includes Lac qui Parle, Yellow Medicine and Lyon Counties, as well as part of Chippewa County. Holly Lamote, vice president of the Lyon County Republicans, said the endorsing convention will be held May 4 at the Cottonwood Community Center. Lamote said registration for delegates would start at 5:30 p.m., and the convention will start at 6:30.

Lamote said organizers also plan to hold a Republican candidate forum event for House District 15A. However, they are still in the process of setting a date and venue for the event.