The destiny of who commands the Minnesota Legislature will soon hang in the balance as the upcoming election approaches. Particularly, the fierce battles unfolding in the St. Cloud area for seats in the Minnesota House are pivotal in deciding which political party will seize control of the state Capitol.
In Minnesota, many districts are comfortably nestled in Republican or DFL hands, but the St. Cloud region is fiercely contested. The two House races here are among the hottest and most unpredictable in the state. “In areas across America, districts lean heavily blue or red, yet in St. Cloud, it’s a ragtag mix,” stated King Banaian, who once served as a Republican representative and now teaches economics at St. Cloud State University.
Banaian, no stranger to tight races, clinched victory in 2010 by a mere 13 votes. As the region swells with people, the ever-shifting redistricting lines have added more zest to these competitions, a change Banaian views as beneficial. “Elections that make us tussle are valuable. They spark dialogues and push parties to cooperate in the Legislature, forcing compromises that truly echo their district’s voices,” he elaborated.
The stakes are high—a four-seat swing could hand the GOP the reins of the Minnesota House. With all 134 seats on the line this November 5, the scale is tipping towards a couple of key swing districts, notably the St. Cloud duo.
In District 14B, incumbent Rep. Dan Wolgamott, a stalwart for the DFL, aims to snag a fourth term. He banks on his record of public service and bi-partisan cooperation as his trump card. “Years of hard work have forged trust between me and my district,” he asserted confidently.
Dan faces Republican Sue Ek, who heads communications for Oklahoma’s Natural Family Planning Outreach. Ek contends that Wolgamott’s progressive voting streak on topics like abortion, taxes, and spending clashes with district values. “Legislative chambers need a sprinkle of balance so all voices resonate,” Ek argued.
On abortion, she’s staunch, advocating protection for life from conception to natural end. However, she noted, “Folks here in central Minnesota are mostly chewing over economic woes—feeling the pinch with scant cash and pricey groceries and gas.”
Wolgamott has faced turbulence, notably a DWI arrest last year, leading to a misdemeanor plea and a public mea culpa. Ek refrains from making this a campaign football.
Should victory swing his way again, Wolgamott aims to hone in on public safety, through hiring fresh officers and keeping those nearing retirement. His endorsement by the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association is a badge of honor he proudly wears.
Conversely, if Ek prevails, cuts to taxes and enhancing parental educational choices, like vouchers for private schooling, top her agenda. Her political journey faced hiccups, as her 2005 state House bid was thwarted over residency questions. Calling it a “non-issue,” Ek emphasizes her deep St. Cloud roots and community involvement.
The 14A seat, meanwhile, teeters on a knife’s edge too. Republican Bernie Perryman seeks a sophomore term against DFLer Abdi Daisane, a prominent figure in St. Cloud’s Somali American arena.
These districts have a storied history of nail-biters. Two years back, Perryman eked out a win by 199 votes. A seasoned businesswoman, she vows to tilt the Capitol’s scales, dismantling what she dubs the DFL’s “trifecta.” “I’m eager to roll up my sleeves in the Legislature, crafting sound policies and tapping the brakes on runaway systems,” she declared.
Perryman lambasts the DFL’s economic policies, citing financial woes among district dwellers. “What the folks at their doorsresoundingly say is we need dollars to stretch,” she said.
Daisane, a savvy small business owner and Somali refugee of 15 years, aims to topple the District 14A seat and amplify the burgeoning Somali-American constituency’s voice. His campaign spotlights healthcare, education, and homes people can afford.
Remarking on skepticism about his Somali heritage, Daisane shared, “Folks don’t much mind my roots, they care about my chops. My message’s all about lifting community spirits and chasing success.”
The buzz and clamor of these St. Cloud races have drawn considerable moolah from outsiders, gearing up for a heavy-dose of negative mailers until November 5.
Edited by: Ali Musa
alimusa@axadletimes.com
Axadle international–Monitoring
