NISSWA — Keri Heintzeman of Nisswa announced her candidacy for the state Senate seat left vacant by the resignation of Justin Eichorn on Facebook late Thursday, March 20.
Heintzeman is a longtime political organizer, Nisswa business owner and wife of Rep. Josh Heintzeman, who represents House District 6B. She was the district director of the Trump 2024 campaign.
She highlighted the economic struggles of families and small business owners and vowed to focus on lowering taxes, cutting regulations and combatting government fraud.
"I am running for the Minnesota Senate to champion the values we hold dear — fiscal responsibility, personal freedom and government transparency," Heintzeman said in her announcement. "Together, we can create an environment where families thrive, businesses grow, and our children have a bright and safe future."
Heintzeman is the second candidate and first Republican to announce her intent to run for the seat. Emily LeClaire, who unsuccessfully challenged Josh Heintzeman last year, declared her intent to run earlier Thursday. A Keri Heintzeman Senate Committee has been filed with the Minnesota Campaign Finance Board.
Eichorn resigned Thursday under pressure from both state parties and numerous individual lawmakers and the promise of a vote to expel him by the Minnesota Republican Senate Caucus. He was arrested Monday in a law enforcement sting operation after he allegedly attempted to solicit a 17-year-old for paid sex, who turned out to be an undercover officer.
Eichorn's departure from the Senate means Republicans now have 32 members, while the DFL has 34. Minnesota law states Gov. Tim Walz shall call a special election to fill the vacancy in Senate District 6. The district includes the cities of Grand Rapids, Brainerd and Baxter.
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