DFL endorses Slipy before filing period ends in SD6 race

CROW WING COUNTY — The Senate District 6 DFL organizing unit endorsed its own chair Sunday, March 30.

Denise Slipy of Breezy Point announced her candidacy for the seat vacated by Justin Eichorn last week, the third DFLer to do so at the time. In her announcement, she said she is running "to bring common sense to St. Paul."

On her campaign page, Slipy said she is humbled and proud to receive the endorsement.

"Taking back this seat will take all of us!" she wrote.

At least three others were vying for the party endorsement. Newcomer Nicky Hardy said on social media Sunday that she will abide by the endorsement and is ending her campaign, though she implied that she plans to run for office in the future.

"To my friends that supported me, thank you. I will need your support again because I am not done," Hardy wrote.

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What to know about the upcoming MN Senate District 6 special election

Everything voters in Crow Wing, Cass and Itasca counties should know about the upcoming special senate election, including dates and deadlines, polling places and candidates.

Reached by phone Monday, former state House candidate Emily LeClaire said she is taking a step back, and it’s unlikely that she’ll resume campaigning.

“Whatever really happens next, I think we’ve got a strong candidate,” she said.

Another political newcomer, Samuel Grigsby, told KAXE he has not decided whether he’ll suspend his campaign.

"They had some pretty established candidates that are very qualified. I think they'll do a good job," he said.

"I'm getting together with some people, and we're talking about a few things, but at this time, I don't have a full decision yet."

Filings for the race close 5 p.m. Tuesday. The special primary will be April 15, with early voting beginning April 9.

The Senate District 6 seat has been vacant since Justin Eichorn resigned March 21 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 March 17 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.