Michelle Jumps into State Senate Race

​MICHELLE LEE ANNOUNCES CAMPAIGN FOR MINNESOTA SENATE
Special election for MN Senate 11. A primary election is scheduled for January 22, with the special election scheduled for February 5th, 2019

Michelle Lee today formally announced and filed her candidacy for Minnesota Senate District 11 to replace Senator Tony Lourey who has been appointed as Commissioner of Human Services in the administration of Governor Tim Walz.

Lee, who lives in Moose Lake, most recently ran for the U.S. Congress, finishing second in the August 2018 DFL Primary among the five candidates seeking to replace Rick Nolan who had announced his retirement earlier in 2018.

In announcing her intention to represent District 11 residents in the Minnesota Senate, Lee said her congressional campaign, along with her 30 year career as a broadcast journalist and long-time resident of the area, had provided her with the “background and knowledge needed to understand and promote the needs and desires of the residents of this district in the Minnesota Senate.”

Filings for candidates wishing to succeed Senator Lourey close on January 8. A primary election is scheduled for January 22, with the special election scheduled for February 5th, 2019

I am humbled by the enthusiastic support I received during last year’s congressional race and the encouragement I’ve been receiving since the news that Senator Tony Lourey was being appointed to serve in the administration of Governor Tim Walz. I thank Senator Lourey for his years of dedicated service to the residents of District 11 and wish him much success as Commissioner of Human Services.

I’ve made my home in this district for the past 38 years. My congressional campaign and decades as a broadcast journalist have provided me with the background and knowledge needed to understand and promote the needs and desires of the residents of this district in the Minnesota Senate.

Although this campaign will be short, it will allow time to outline the issues I believe are important to all residents within the district. Access to affordable healthcare will be my top priority. I believe it is only a matter of time before single-payer healthcare becomes a reality in America.  In the meantime I will work with the Walz administration to expand affordable healthcare options to all Minnesotans.

Today, with dreams of college, a decent paying job, and a secure retirement slipping beyond the reach of so many, the future for many seems to be hanging by a thread. Family-owned businesses and family farms are struggling to survive. Almost 70 percent of us are earning the same or less than we did 15 years ago. Our infrastructure is crumbling and needs immediate attention.

Yet, I’m optimistic about our future in Minnesota. The voters have placed their trust in new leadership intent on bringing us closer together regardless of Zip Code or social standing. As Governor-Elect Walz has said, “we are One Minnesota.” I agree and believe our brightest days are still to come.

I’m asking the voters of Senate District 11 in Carlton, Pine, Kanabec and St. Louis counties to give me the opportunity and high honor to represent them in St. Paul. As I often said in my congressional campaign, we can move forward together securing an even stronger future for all of us.

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