Ex-state senator running to replace Walz in Congress

Former state Sen. Vicki Jensen, DFL-Owatonna, announced Monday that she’s running for Congress in Minnesota’s 1

st

District.

24Jensen

Jensen is the first Democrat to enter the race for the seat being vacated by incumbent DFL U.S. Rep. Tim Walz, who is a 2018 candidate for governor.

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Jensen said she decided to run because she sees too much uncertainty and dysfunction in Washington.

“We need some representation from someone that has roots, who’s worked and understands the issues we’re facing and some of the challenges, and already has a record of working hard to ensure that our rural communities don’t get left behind,” Jensen said.

Jensen runs an insurance agency and served one term in the Minnesota Senate. She lost her re-election bid last November.

Jensen said she will seek the DFL endorsement and will abide by the party’s selection.

“That’s the process that we have and that’s the process that I will live by,” she said.