A special election is being held on Tuesday, February 5 to fill Minnesota State Senator Tony Lourey's seat.
Lourey was recently named Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Human Services by Governor-Elect Tim Walz.
Individuals interested in running to fill the seat must file their affidavits for candidacy between noon on Friday, January 4 and 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 8.
Stu Lourey, the son of State Senator Tony Lourey and the grandson of former State Senator Becky Lourey, has announced that he will be running to fill his father's seat.
In a statement, Lourey said that he will use the knowledge he has gained from working with community leaders to tackle the issues facing the residents of Senate District 11.
“I’ll focus on the issues that are weighing most heavily on families here in the district. Working on policy in this area—and having conversations with doctors, tribal leaders, teachers, and others—I most often heard about the need to make healthcare more affordable, the importance of strong schools, and ways we can build a strong economy,” he said.
Lourey has worked in District 11 as a Field Representative for former Senator Al Franken and as a Legislative Aide for both Franken and Minnesota Senator Tina Smith.
Minnesota State Representative Jason Rarick also announced he will run to fill Tony Lourey's seat.
In his announcement on Friday, Rarick said, “There’s a lot at stake at the Capitol right now so it’s important our Senate district has a strong voice in St. Paul. I am excited to take the experience I’ve gained over four years in the House of Representatives and put it to work for the people of Pine, Kanabec, Carlton and St. Louis Counties.”
Rarick has served House District 11b since 2014.
During his time in the House, Rep. Rarick focused on Broadband, transportation, and construction trade and contractor issues and was also the chief author of the bills for term limits and legalizing aerial fireworks.
A special primary election, if needed, will be held on Tuesday, January 22.
Minnesota Senate District 11 covers portions of Carlton, Kanabec, Pine and St. Louis counties along the I-35 corridor.
