DFL Sen. Ken Kelash lost his endorsement bid in the newly drawn Senate District 50. He said he will abide by the endorsement of Melissa Halvorson Wiklund.

Dittrich has carved out a career as a conservative DFLer in winning elections in her swing district in the northern Twin Cities suburbs.

The seven-term DFLer from Maplewood said she's retiring as the financial burden of college for her children grows. DFLers in the redistricted District 53 are scheduled to meet next Saturday.

DFL state Rep. Lyle Koenen has announced he's running to succeed the late DFL Sen. Gary Kubly in the April 10 special election. Kubly's successor will serve for a brief time before this fall's election in the newly drawn legislative districts.

Both Kath and Ward are the sole incumbents in their respective new House districts that were announced two weeks ago in the redistricting maps. But there are special factors that might lead them to run for the Senate.

Chuck Roulet, co-chair of the Republican Party in Sen. Warren Limmer's district, has resigned his post to run against the six-term incumbent.

House and Senate races across the state are rapidly shaking out following the release of new legislative maps.

State Sen. Al DeKruif has announced he won’t seek a second term. He was paired with fellow Republican Sen. Julie Rosen in the new redistricting maps.

There will be at least four DFL challengers for an open seat in House District 43A. Peter Fischer, Michelle Yener, Patrick Moore and Bob Hill all intend to seek the suburban seat representing parts of White Bear Lake and Maplewood.

State Rep. Kate Knuth has decided to retire from the Legislature after her current term expires. The three-term DFLer from New Brighton was paired with fellow DFL Rep. Tom Tillberry of Fridley in the new redistricting maps that were unveiled last week.