HERMANTOWN — State Sen. Grant Hauschild will run for a second term representing the northeasternmost part of Minnesota.
The Hermantown DFLer defeated Babbitt Mayor Andrea Zupancich by just over 700 votes in 2022.
They’ll likely face off once more this year vying to represent District 3, as Zupancich has also announced a campaign.
District 3 stretches from Koochiching County to Grand Portage to the Duluth suburbs.
Hauschild’s campaign page highlights the tax relief, local aid and projects that benefited the region in his first term.
The last DFL state legislator in rural Northern Minnesota said he’ll focus on “bread-and-butter issues that matter most to our communities.”
Some of his priorities include eliminating income taxes on Social Security, increasing public safety funding for police and mental health services, and fixing the funding gap for rural emergency medical services.
“[Hauschild] believes that around the Northland, people go out of their way to have each other’s back,” his campaign page stated. “[He] believes our leaders should have our backs, too, and that is how he approaches his role every day as the Senator for the Northland.”
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Contributed/Hibbing School DistrictThe March 4, 2026, vote would start the process of a closure, which would save the district an estimated $516,000. The Board will also give an update on contract negotiations with support staff. -
Larissa Donovan/KAXEThe school district must now advertise the planned closure for two weeks before hosting a public hearing on the decision, which would go into effect this spring. -
Contributed/Canva Pro graphicAuthorities reported alcohol is believed to have been a factor. The building was determined to be unstable and unsafe in the immediate area of the crash. -
Contributed/Staples Fire DepartmentThe Staples Fire Department responded to a report of smoke coming out of the building on the 400 block of Second Avenue Northeast, just before 8 a.m. Feb. 28, 2026. -
Lorie Shaull/KAXEThe law allows for the detention and deportation of undocumented immigrants who are merely accused of crimes, including violent crimes but also nonviolent offenses like burglary, theft and shoplifting. -
Contributed/Grand Rapids Area SchoolsHibbing senior Wylie Stenson claimed four medals in all, winning half of all rural Northern Minnesota's medals at the 2026 state meet. -
Contributed/City of HermantownCity and power officials expressed optimism about the partnership slated to invest in clean energy and energy resiliency, while environmental advocates noted review is still required and necessary. -
Contributed/MSHSLThe Warriors won their eighth title since the tournament began in 1994. -
Contributed/Grand Rapids Area WrestlingWrestlers from Grand Rapids, Staples-Motley and Badger-Greenbush/Middle River topped the podium at state Feb. 28, 2026, with another 35 Northlanders from 12 teams winning medals. -
Contributed/Gabrielle Nelson / Buffalo’s FireLittle progress has been made despite 40 years of cleanup on Leech Lake Reservation. Locals fear for the health of surrounding lakes and the Mississippi River downstream.
