Minnesota Lawyer
Jacob Frey and his wife Michelle Frey (Photo provided by Jacob Frey)
Candidates are already lining up to replace DFL Minneapolis Sen. Larry Pogemiller.
Minneapolis Attorney Jacob Frey has thrown his name into the mix for the Senate District 59 seat. Gov. Mark Dayton‘s office announced Friday morning that Pogemiller will be leaving the chamber to lead the Office of Higher Education. Frey, 30, just left his job as an attorney with firm Faegre & Benson to run for the seat.
“I’m an attorney and I’ve been actively engaged in the community for quite some time now, and this is my opportunity to really take it to the next level,” Frey said. “I’ve wanted to do this for quite awhile.”
Frey has been involved with DFL activism, both with the Senate district DFLers and through progressive groups. He is the co-chair of Protect Minnesota, a group that works on anti-gun violence legislation, and he recently organized the Big Gay Race, a 5K fundraiser in Minneapolis that attracted more than 2,000 people against the constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage.
“I think I’m a proven organizer, I understand the law, and I will bring an enthusiasm and energy to the Senate,” he said.
The special election to replace Pogemiller will be the third in Minneapolis in recent months, after South Minneapolis Sen. Linda Berglin retired to take a job with Hennepin County and Rep. Jeff Hayden won the election to replace her. Senate District 59 covers much of the University of Minnesota’s Minneapolis campus, and will likely be subject to considerable change in the next round of redistricting.
The Minnesota Daily also reports that DFL Rep. Diane Loeffler is “definitely” going to run for the seat. Loeffler is currently serving her 4th term representing House District 59A.
Check back at PIM for updates on the developing race.
