Democrat emerges in Senate race

Red Wing resident Joe Fricke announced Thursday he will run for Senate District 28 as a Democrat.

Fricke, 28, is the first Democrat to declare interest in the seat since Sen. Steve Murphy, DFL-Red wing, announced in January that he would not seek re-election.

"This just seemed like an incredible opportunity," said Fricke, who graduates Saturday from St. Thomas School of Law.

Senate District 28 Democrats have not yet announced when an endorsing convention will be held.

Fricke, a class of 2000 Red Wing High School graduate, said he hopes to focus on jobs, education and "vibrant communities" as a lawmaker.

Unless another Democrat emerges, Fricke would face Republican John Howe in November. Howe, Red Wing's mayor, received the endorsement in March over two other GOP contenders.

See Saturday's print edition for the full story.

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