REGIONAL— Two former DFL state senators have split their endorsements in the race to fill the District 3 Senate seat on Nov. 8. Current District 3 Sen. Tom Bakk, who left the DFL in 2020 and now calls himself an independent, has endorsed Babbitt Mayor and Republican endorsee Andrea Zupancich in her race against Hermantown City Council member Grant Hauschild.
Meanwhile, Bakk’s mentor and former state Sen. Doug Johnson, of Lake Vermilion, is backing the DFL-endorsed Hauschild. Johnson’s endorsement comes along with a list of eight other current or former local elected officials who have also announced they’re backing Hauschild. Both Bakk and Johnson were known as moderates during their time in office and they each stressed the continued importance of moderation at a time when the nation’s politics seems to be increasingly governed from the extremes.
“This is a critical time for our region,” said Johnson, who represented the region in St. Paul from 1977-2002. “I’m concerned that if we elect someone who will just toe the party line, the Northland will get left behind,” he added. “Grant has a proven track record working on rural public policy, fighting for organized labor, and working with both sides of the aisle while working for another moderate Democrat, U.S. Sen. Heidi Heitkamp.”
Bakk, in endorsing Zupancich, stressed her experience as a mayor and small business owner.
“Her experience living, working, and supporting Northern Minnesota has superbly prepared her to work for us in the Senate. Her independent voice and pragmatic attitude will be critical as politics moves further to the extremes. Andrea will fight for local good-paying jobs, support Minnesota mining rather than outsourcing overseas, and defend our values against metro-centric politicians of both parties.”
In addition to winning Johnson’s support, Hauschild’s campaign announced a slew of other endorsements, including International Falls Mayor Harley Droba, St. Louis County Commissioner Keith Musolf, former Tower Mayor Orlyn Kringstad, Ranier Mayor Dennis Wagner, Hermantown Mayor Wayne Boucher, Grand Marais Mayor Jay DeCoux and former Cook County Commissioner Sue Hakes. Hauschild has also received strong support from organized labor and trade unions in the region.
The Timberjay plans to feature Senate District 3 candidates and their answers to questions ahead of the Nov. 8 general election.