by Dan Burns

Oct 25, 2026, 2:30 PM

MN lege: DFL pickup opportunities Districts 41-67

Part 1 here. Part 2 here. This includes a map of metro districts.

HD41A: Cole Birkeland is our candidate.

For several years, Cole and his wife, Shelby, have called Lake Elmo home. As a board member of a local community service organization, Cole works hands-on to serve his neighbors and strengthen the community we all share.

Professionally, Cole has a unique understanding of how government is supposed to work for the people. As an attorney, he has served as legal counsel to various local governments, working on the frontlines to ensure government furthers the public interest within its lawful authority. Today, he represents working people, fighting to protect their rights and hard-earned retirement savings against wrongdoers—a commitment to fairness and fiscal responsibility he will bring to the Capitol.

Rep. Wayne Johnson (R-Cottage Grove) has had one term and it’s been pretty low-profile.

HD41B: This is an open seat. Rep. Tom Dippel is running for the MN Senate. Jen Fox is the DFLer.

Minnesota families and small businesses are all feeling the hardships of political and economic uncertainty. As a lifelong Hastings resident, a small business owner, and former member of the Hastings City Council, I know how to advocate for the issues we care about most and can work across the aisle to get things done.

On his website William Beck doesn’t come across as a ranting right-wing head case. But he’s still a Party of Trumper, and this election is all about loathing of and contempt for Donald Trump.

HD57B: The DFL candidate is Brian Cohn.

Brian and his wife Patty have lived in Lakeville for more than a decade…

Brian’s service in Lakeville reflects a simple belief: strong communities are built by neighbors who show up for one another. With the Lakeville Lions, he has worked to reduce hunger for local kids, give children a safe and comfortable place to sleep, and support other community efforts, including blood drives. He is also helping raise funds for the expansion of 360 Communities’ Lewis House shelter so more families have a safe place to turn in times of crisis.

Rep. Jeff Witte (R-Lakeville) has had two undistinguished terms.

SD58: Our candidate is Mark Legvold.

I’ve served others my entire professional life. Throughout my 33 year career in the military, I had jobs that served others – a firefighter, a cop, a first sergeant, and the senior enlisted leader for my organization. I learned how to achieve a mission while taking care of those who do difficult things for our country and state during incredibly challenging times.

I served children and families as an educator and administrator in St. Paul Public Schools for 10 years, teaching others to value learning and treat people with decency and kindness. After I retired from the military, I started a small business to continue my passion for education, teaching adults leadership and the skills to build a better workplace.

Sen. Bill Lieske (R-Lonsdale) is finishing his first term. He’s a Trump Republican and doesn’t belong in the MN lege.