Democrat Dan Feehan won’t run in the upcoming special election for Southern Minnesota’s First Congressional District or the November general for a full term, Axios has learned.
What he’s saying: Feehan, who lost narrowly to late GOP Rep. Jim Hagedorn in 2018 and 2020, cites family commitments in a statement set to be released this morning.
- “I owe a wise eleven year old, an imaginative eight year old, a joyful two year old, and an amazing partner my time and my presence,” he wrote of the time and energy a campaign requires.
The big picture: Hagedorn’s Feb. 17 death following a battle with kidney cancer has triggered a special election in the one-time battleground district just months before the November midterm vote.
Between the lines: Feehan’s name ID and campaign infrastructure would have been a boost to Democrats seeking to overcome national political headwinds to flip the district, which former President Trump carried by 10 points in 2020.
State of the field: Republican state Rep. Jeremy Munson and Democrats Richard Painter and Richard DeVore have announced campaigns so far.
- Hagedorn’s wife, former Minnesota Republican Party Chair Jennifer Carnahan, and former GOP state Rep. Brad Finstad, are also seen as possible contenders.
What’s next: Candidate filing begins today, with primaries scheduled for May 24.
- Voters will then choose the candidate to fill the final months of Hagedorn’s term on Aug. 9, the same day as the statewide primary.
What to watch: Feehan, who plans to hit the trail to help other Democrats this year, hinted at another run down the road.
