DFL house candidates endorsed for District 19

The Democratic-Farm-Labor party of Southern Minnesota has chosen its candidates to run for District 19 seats being vacated by longtime Republicans.

At a convention on Saturday, Jessica Navarro was endorsed as the DFL candidate for the 19A House seat and Edel Fernandez was endorsed for the 19B House seat.

Kenyon and Wanamingo, along with much of Rice County, including Faribault and Nerstrand, is located in District 19A. Rep. Brian Daniels (R-Faribault) has held the seat since 2015 (the district was 24A before redistricting occurred in 2022). Daniels is choosing not to seek reelection.

Keith Allen is the endorsed candidate for the Republican party seeking to take Daniels’ place.

DFL candidate Navarro lives in Faribault and is a program manager for the Healthy Community Initiative. She is a newcomer to politics.

“I see politics as a means to address social issues, improve people’s lives and effect positive change,” she said. “My commitment to public service extends to supporting local businesses and recognizing their vital role in the community’s economic growth and sustainability. I aim to champion policies that empower small businesses and create opportunities for entrepreneurship, fostering a thriving local community.”

Navarro said she plan to issue a formal announcement of her candidacy within the next few days.

“I am delighted that we have endorsed Jessica,” said Paula Person, chairperson for the Senate District 19 DFL party. “She is intelligent, hard working and will truly represent all of the residents of House District 19A.”

Fernandez, of Owatonna, was one of two candidates vying for the endorsement to run in House District 19B, which includes Owatonna, Medford and Waseca. Fernandez won with 60% of the votes against as Erick Eschenbach, also of Owatonna.

Fernandez is director of admissions at South Central College and is also a newcomer to politics.

Fernandez will face off against Republican candidate Tom Sexton. The seat is currently held by Rep. John Petersburg (R-Waseca), who, like Daniels, announced his plans to retire at the end of his term.

Both seats have been held by Republicans since 2013. But Phil Heim, secretary for the DFL District 19, said he is optimistic for November.

“I think we have two strong candidates that can relate to a lot of people in the community,” he said.