The newest member of the Minnesota Senate

Democrat Jeff Hayden of Minneapolis was sworn in today as the newest member of the Minnesota Senate. Hayden, who won a special election last week, was sworn in by Hennepin County District Court Judge Tanya Bransford in the State Capitol Senate Chamber.

Hayden is replacing Linda Berglin who retired in August. He says his main focus will be on jobs and economy.

"We're working very hard in distressed neighborhoods to get people trained and to work," Hayden said.

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Hayden said he wants to make sure that if a new Vikings stadium or a new casino is built that people from the urban core are hired for those jobs. He said, however, that it would be hard for him to support a new Vikings stadium.

"My district has consistently said they don't want public money for stadiums," Hayden said. "They said they want public funding for infrastructure projects like schools and roads and light rail."

Hayden is no stranger to the Minnesota Legislature. He served in the Minnesota House from 2008 until today. Gov. Dayton has called a special election to replace Hayden for for January 10. A primary, if needed, will take place on December 6.

Hayden won't hold the title of newest member of the Minnesota Senate for long.

Democrat Chris Eaton will be sworn in on Friday. She won a special election for a seat that includes Brooklyn Park and Brooklyn Center. That seat was vacated when Linda Scheid died in June.

Photo credit: David Oakes, Senate Media Services