Quist will run in House special election

Former state Rep. Allen Quist announced today that he will be a Republican candidate in a yet-to-be called special election House District 19A.

Candidates are lining up to replace Rep. Terry Morrow, DFL-St. Peter, who announced last month that he will resign from the Legislature to take a job in Chicago.

Quist, who served three terms in the Minnesota House in the 1980s, sent out a news release highlighting his experience and willingness to work across the political aisle.

"Both experience and seniority are major factors in being effective," Quist wrote. "Good legislation is almost always bipartisan."

Quist said that his legislative priorities would include protecting and promoting the interests of small business and agriculture.

Quist is coming off an unsuccessful congressional campaign against incumbent Democrat Tim Walz in the 1st District. Walz won by 15 percentage points. Quist was also the second-place finisher in District 19A, where Walz won by more than 25 percentage points.

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.