Photo courtesy of Chris Knoll Chris Knoll appeared in a photo with state Sen. Bill Weber, after the Sen. District 21 Republican convention. Knoll received the endorsement to run for Weber's Senate seat, while Porter resident Krist Wollum received the endorsement to run for House District 21A.

ST. JAMES — A trio of Republican candidates for the Minnesota State Legislature have received party endorsements at the Senate District 21 convention. Candidate Chris Knoll received the Republican endorsement for the Senate race in District 21, which is currently represented by Sen. Bill Weber.

Weber had announced that his will be retiring at the end of his current term.

“I’m honored to earn the support of delegates from across District 21,” Knoll said in a news release. “I’m ready to unite our party and take our message to voters this fall.”

Delegates at the convention also endorsed Krist Wollum for Minnesota House in District 21A, and Rep. Marj Fogelman in House District 21B.

In a news release, Knoll said his campaign will now shift focus to the general election, where he plans to emphasize rural economic issues, and representation at the Capitol.

“This race is about making sure southern Minnesota has a strong voice in St. Paul,” Knoll said.

Senate District 21 includes Lincoln, Pipestone, Murray, Rock, Nobles, Cottonwood and Jackson Counties, as well as parts of Watonwan and Martin Counties.

Krist Wollum, the endorsed candidate in House District 21A, farms outside of Porter, and has been actively involved with the Minnesota State Cattlemen’s Association. Wollum served as MSCA president in 2017 and 2018, and was later nominated to serve as MSCA legislative chair. In his announcement of intent to run for Senate, Wollum said he would strive to work on issues that protect family farms and end excessive regulations. He said he was also committed to addressing waste and misuse of tax dollars in Minnesota.

House District 21A includes includes Lincoln, Pipestone, Rock and Murray Counties, and parts of Nobles and Cottonwood Counties.