Newport, MN — Dan Lund, former Mayor of Newport known for delivering practical reforms and standing up for his constituents, announced his candidacy today for the Minnesota Senate in District 53. Lund, a DFL candidate, brings a record of pragmatic leadership, fiscal responsibility, and dedication to clean water and responsive local government.
As Mayor of Newport from 2017 to 2020, following a term on the City Council, Lund led the city through a period of growth, reform, and accountability. He expanded the city’s tax base, invested in long-overdue infrastructure, and lowered the municipal property tax rate from 72% to 54%. When the city faced challenges in public safety, Lund cast the deciding vote to transition from a troubled local police department to a contract with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office — ensuring professional, accountable law enforcement while keeping every officer on the job. He also reinstated Newport’s long-dormant Human Rights Commission, creating a trusted space for residents to raise concerns about discrimination and equity.
“My focus has always been on the basics — the things that affect people’s lives every day,” said Lund. “Clean water, safe neighborhoods, and a government that listens and delivers. These aren’t abstract policies — they’re the decisions that show up in your tap water, your bills, and your daily life.”
Lund emphasized that accountability is central to his approach. “Public service means showing up, doing the work, and taking responsibility for results,” he said. “That’s what I’ve done as mayor, and that’s exactly what I’ll bring to the State Senate.”
Lund responded to recent incidents involving Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Minnesota — including the detention of U.S. citizens and the arrest of a bystander for
recording public activity. “These aren’t policy missteps — they’re violations of the pillars that uphold our democracy,” said Lund. “When federal agents detain citizens without cause or retaliate against people for exercising their First Amendment rights, it’s a threat to everyone.”
He also addressed recent statements by former President Donald Trump, who has floated the idea of invoking the Insurrection Act to target political opponents. “We must take Trump’s threats seriously,” said Lund. “They appear to be motivated more by retribution against perceived adversaries than by any vision of building a country that works for everyone. We need leaders who will stand up for the rule of law and the Constitution — not just when it’s easy, but when it’s necessary.”
Lund is seeking the DFL endorsement for Senate District 53. “Every delegate selected on caucus night carries the power of a thousand votes in November,” he noted. “In a district like ours, the DFL endorsement often decides the race. That’s why caucus night matters — because those who show up will decide the future of our representation.”
For more information, visit DanLund.org.

Minnesota Senate District 53 includes Cottage Grove (P-06), Grey Cloud Island, Inver Grove Heights, Lilydale, Mendota Heights (P-1), Newport, South St. Paul, St. Paul Park, Sunfish Lake, and West St. Paul (W-1 P-2, W-2 P-2, W-3 P-2).