GRAND RAPIDS — A fourth DFL candidate entered the race for the vacant Senate District 6 seat Friday, March 28.
Samuel Patrick Grigsby of Grand Rapids filed for office Friday, announcing his candidacy on Facebook later the same day.
Grigsby works in security for Grand Itasca Clinic and Hospital and the Grand Rapids Police Department and is also part of GRPD's police reserves. According to his campaign page, Grigsby has worked in the public sector for more than three decades, including as an emergency medical technician, firefighter and state fire instructor.
In his announcement, Grigsby said the district needs leadership that reflects and represents its residents.
"I am a real voice for these real times - straight forward dedicated to my family, my community, and democracy," he wrote.
"I might not be able to answer every question because I have a new learning curve in this decision to become your candidate for District 6. I want to be your voice for a stronger Northern Minnesota livelihood. We are more alike than different."
Grigsby said his campaign is focused on jobs, health care, public education and fiscal responsibility.
The Senate District 6 DFL local organizing unit endorsed Denise Slipy for the seat Sunday. Reached by phone Monday, Grigsby said 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."
Gov. Tim Walz set a special primary date of April 15, with early voting beginning April 9. The Minnesota Secretary of State recommends dropping off absentee ballots at respective counties' in-person voting locations due to the short timeline of the election.
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.
Eichorn's departure from the Senate means Republicans now have 32 members, while the DFL has 34.
