Sean Ryan, a Lake Elmo resident and former journalist, announced this week that he will seek the DFL endorsement in the race against Sen. Karin Housley for the Senate District 39 seat.
In announcing his candidacy, Ryan touted the fact that when he was in high school—more than 20 years ago—he was elected “Minnesota Boy’s State Governor.”
According to Ryan, the award was part of the American Legion Boy’s Nation program, which flew Ryan to Washington, D.C. to meet with former President Bill Clinton in the Oval Office.
Billy Grant, a former advisor to Doug Wardlow, wrote on Twitter that Ryan’s “so unqualified he’s bragging about his achievements from high school.”
Game changing entry for @MinnesotaDFL in SD39 Senate contest. This guy is so unqualified, he’s bragging about his achievements from High School! pic.twitter.com/yAfDjjL520
— Billy Grant (@RealBillyGrant) July 19, 2019
Ryan said his campaign will focus on restoring “authentic discourse” to politics while addressing issues such as “health care accessibility, education and confronting the jobs crisis created by automation and AI.”
“I’m concerned about the tone of our political discourse. If we can’t have open and nuanced conversations, how are we going to confront the even more nuanced issues facing us and our children?” he said in a press release.
“Being able to empathize with constituents is critical to authentic legislation,” he added. “I’ve been down and out—jobless and hooked up to a dialysis machine. I’m afraid too many at the State Capitol have lost touch with the challenges our constituents face—or will face in the future.”
Earlier this month, Housley announced that she would seek another term in the Minnesota Senate, but wouldn’t be making another run against Sen. Tina Smith for the U.S. Senate.
Some news: pic.twitter.com/Kg2vxDQeMI
— Karin Housley (@KarinHousley) July 2, 2019
“I love our communities and I love Minnesota—and I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished in the past seven years. I’m excited to continue that work,” said Housley. “As I enter into a new chapter of life with my family, I know this is the right decision.”
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Anthony Gockowski is managing editor of Battleground State News, The Ohio Star, and The Minnesota Sun. Follow Anthony on Twitter. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Karin Housley” by Karin Housley. Photo “Sean Park” by Sean Park.
