Six vying for Hennepin County District 6 seat in April 30 primary

Six candidates are preparing to compete in the special primary nonpartisan election for the Hennepin County District 6 seat on Tuesday, April 30. 

The top two vote-getters will advance to the special election scheduled for Tuesday, May 14. This special election is necessary to fill the vacancy created by Chris LaTondresse’s resignation last September.

District 6 encompasses 66 precincts, six of which (1, 2, 3, 4, 7, and 8) are located in northern Eden Prairie. Voters are encouraged to visit the Secretary of State’s website to find their specific polling locations. Here are where Eden Prairie’s 20 precincts are located.

The candidates, all from Edina, are state Rep. Heather Edelson (DFL-50A, Edina), political consultant Patrick Gage, Normandale Community College director of procurement Janet Kitui, nonprofit leader Daniel Moret, businesswoman Marisa Simonetti, and Hopkins School Board member Jen Westmoreland.

Eden Prairie Local News (EPLN) asked the candidates six questions on county issues, providing insights into each candidate’s priorities and proposed policies. Candidates were asked to keep answers to about 250 words or fewer. Links to each candidate’s answers and profiles can be found below (in alphabetical order):

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Heather Edelson

Patrick Gage

Janet Kitui

Daniel Moret

Marisa Simonetti

Jen Westmoreland

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Here are the questions candidates were asked by EPLN:

1. Introduction and priorities: Why are you running for the Hennepin County District 6 seat, and what are the main issues you are focusing on in your campaign?
2. Fiscal management: How do you intend to balance fiscal responsibility with the need to invest in community services and infrastructure?
3. Public safety: Can you outline your strategies for improving public safety and enhancing trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve?
4. Economic development: What plans do you have to support small business growth, ensure fair labor practices, and encourage sustainable development in our district?
5. Land use and development: How will you approach the challenges of development, including managing green spaces and promoting affordable housing?
6. Southwest Light Rail Transit Project: What is your position on the 14.5-mile extension of the current Green Line to Eden Prairie, and how will you address the community and financial concerns brought by some residents and legislators related to this project?

What’s next?

This special election precedes another election for the same seat in November for a full four-year term. Prospective candidates for that term, beginning January 2025, must file between May 21 and June 4, a timeframe that also applies to other offices requiring a primary.