Jeremiah Ellis won the DFL-endorsement to fill an open state House seat in St. Paul. Ellis defeated three challengers at Saturday's endorsing convention to secure party backing. He hopes to replace Rep. Cy Thao, who is not seeking a fifth term at the Capitol.

The DFL endorsement for the seat being vacated by Rep. Cy Thao will likely be determined at tomorrow's Senate District 65 convention. In a district dominated by Democrats, the endorsement will be a key factor in who ultimately prevails in the contest. But there could be a DFL primary.

Eight Minnesota legislative incumbents -- five DFLers and three Republicans -- are facing challenges from members of their own parties this year, not counting six incumbents who have said that they aren't seeking re-election and have fellow party members lining up to succeed them.

Thao's decision not to seek a fifth term representing House district 65A has set off something of a political frenzy in his central St. Paul district.

State Rep. Cy Thao will face a challenger for the DFL endorsement. Jeremiah Ellis, who currently works for the St. Paul Public Schools, intends to run against the four-term St. Paul legislator.