It was a flurry of activity yesterday in our city offices as the 2022 filing period closed. In Inver Grove Heights, two more candidates joined the race for Mayor. Current Mayor Tom Bartholomew chose not to rerun. Councilmember Dietrich filed on the first day of the open period and two others filed yesterday, Councilmember Piekarski Krech and Planning Commissioner Robertson. Eight candidates filed yesterday for council seats, bringing the total candidates to nine for two open seats.
In South St. Paul, three candidates filed yesterday, bringing the council race to eight candidates for three open seats. Incumbents Kaliszewski and Seaberg are rerunning and Councilmember Dewey opted out..
For our WSP members, Mayor Napier is running unopposed. Ward 1 will elect one new representative while current councilors in Wards 2 and 3 face challengers.
At the County level, the newly redrawn District 2 has some familiar faces in the race. Joe Atkins, currently Commissioner in District 4 and rezoned to District 2 faces South St. Paul Mayor Jimmy Francis and John Wheeler. The District 4 race has five challengers, including IGH Councilmember John Murphy.
In the Sheriff's race, Deputy Chief Joe Leko is running unopposed. Sheriff Leslie is retiring after serving as Sheriff since 2014.
Dakota County Attorney Kathy Keena faces three challengers.
In the Legislative races, newly drawn District 53A had three candidates file: Mary Frances Clardy, Brent Jacobson and Todd Kruse. District 53B sees Rick Hansen, Laura Pride and Steven Swoboda vying for that seat. The District 53 Senate race has Chris Rausch challenging Incumbent Matt Klein.
Where necessary, primaries will be held on August 9th.
