DFLer Julie Blaha announces run for state auditor

The latest DFL candidate to join the 2018 race for Minnesota state auditor says she wants to be a resource for local government officials

Julie Blaha, a former math teacher and the current secretary-treasurer of the Minnesota AFL-CIO, announced her candidacy over the weekend. She said she will seek the DFL party endorsement and abide by the result.

JulieBlaha
Julie Blaha, a former teacher and the current secretary-treasurer of the Minnesota AFL-CIO, has announced she's a DFL candidate for state auditor. Photo courtesy of the candidate.

Blaha said as state auditor she would highlight and support the work of cities, townships and counties.

“Regular people need somebody to help them out while they’re doing great things,” Blaha said. I would love to be that person who can provide the information, the accountability to ensure that their solutions turn into reality.”

Create a More Connected Minnesota

MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.

This is Blaha’s first run for elected office. She said she hopes to have support from organized labor.

Blaha is the third Democrat in the race. She joins Jon Tollefson, a lobbyist for the Minnesota Nurses Association, and Jack Dickinson, Minneapolis small business owner. Incumbent DFL auditor Rebecca Otto is running for governor.

So far, no Republicans have announced they are running for state auditor.