Rep. Lyle Koenen, DFL-Clara City, has filed papers to run for the state senate seat in District 20 made vacant by the recent death of Sen. Gary Kubly.
"Senator Kubly represented the best of a public servant," Koenen said in a news release. "Although I could never replace Gary, I hope to reflect his values as a member of the state senate."
Kubly died Friday, March 2, after a battle with Lou Gehrig's disease.
Koenen is a lifelong resident of that area and has been involved in issues concerning Chippewa, Renville and Yellow Medicine counties for many years.
The district is made up of all of Big Stone, Chippewa, Lac qui Parle, Lincoln, Renville, Swift and Yellow Medicine counties.
Koenen had announced at the end of February that because of redistricting he would run for the senate seat in the new-look SD17 (currently SD20), and he will have some competition for the endorsement, as Willmar resident Larry Rice announced Monday that he will seek the party endorsement for SD17 this spring.
The new, pared-down district will lose Big Stone, Lac Qui Parle, Lincoln, and Yellow Medicine counties and will gain Kandiyohi County.
First elected to the House of Representatives in 2002, Koenen has been a member of several committees, including the pivotal Taxes Committee, Property and Local Taxes Division, Local Government, Agriculture Policy, Agriculture Finance, Environment Policy, Environment Finance, State Government Finance and former chairman of the Veterans Affairs Division.
"My understanding of the Legislature and knowledge of the issues facing residents of our communities will be very valuable serving in the state senate," said Koenen. "We are at a critical time in our state and I'm looking forward to using my experience to help get Minnesota back on the path to prosperity."
Gov. Mark Dayton has set the special election for Senate District 20 for Tuesday, April 10. A primary, if necessary, will be Tuesday, March 27.