Two area residents will face off this November for an open Minnesota State Senate seat.
Dwight Dorau (Republican) and Amanda Hemmingen-Jaeger (Democratic-Farmer-Labor) will face off to become the next Minnesota State Senator for Senate District 47, embracing Woodbury and part of Maplewood. Early voting starts Sept. 19, with Election Day Nov. 4.
As for Hemminsen-Jaeger, the DFL candidate for State Senate District 47 currently serves in Minnesota House District 47A, representing south Maplewood and Woodbury. Issues important to Hemminsen-Jaeger including affordable access to healthcare, veteran and military affairs advocacy, a comprehensive ecosystem mindset, and children and family support.
“I have passion for advocating for families and building relationships with people across my community,” Hemminsen-Jaeger says. “For the past three years I have worked tirelessly to create and pass policy to make south Maplewood, Woodbury, and the State of Minnesota a place where families thrive. I want to carry on the momentum into the Senate and continue my leadership on issues like affordable child care and better transportation options.”
Contesting State Senate District 47 meanwhile is Dwight Dorau, a native Minnesotan and retired Air Force Colonel. Issues deemed important by Dorau include restoring leadership and trust, restoring representation, restoring checks and balances, and preventing fraud, waste, and abuse.
“There's no nice way to say it - we have been betrayed,” Dorau says. “I am running for Senate because together we can restore Woodbury and Maplewood's near-total lack of representation these past few years. I pledge to reach across the aisle to relentlessly represent you. The buck stops with me and if it's good for our district--no matter who brings the idea--I will support and vote for it. Period.”
More information for Dorau can be found at www.voteforDwight.com, while the website for Hemmingsen-Jaeger is www.amandaformn.com.
Early voting in the fall election starts Sept. 19. Locations for early voting in Washington County include the Cottage Grove Service Center at 13000 Ravine Parkway in Cottage Grove, Central Service and License Center at 1261 Woodlane Drive in Woodbury, and Washington County Government Center at 14969 62nd Street North in Stillwater.
Early voting hours are Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Nov. 1 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Nov. 3 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 4.