Republican Dwight Dorau today announced his candidacy for the vacant Senate seat in Woodbury and South Maplewood. The special election is scheduled for November 4.
Dorau is the only announced Republican candidate. If another Republican enters the contest, there would be a primary on August 26.
Dorau attended Finlayson High School, Brainerd Community College, and the University of Minnesota – Duluth. He is a teacher at Johnson High School in St. Paul as the Senior Aerospace Science Instructor for the Junior ROTC. He is a retired Air Force colonel who flew combat missions over Afghanistan.
In a news release shared by the Minnesota Senate Republican caucus Dorau stated, “Our district deserves strong leadership that delivers for them on promises of clean water, strong schools, and ensuring Minnesota is the best place to live and raise a family. After two years, Minnesota has gone from an $18 billion surplus to a $6 billion budget deficit with nearly $1 billion lost to fraud and little to no relief for families in our state. There has been no accountability under single-party control, and the foundation of our democracy was built on checks and balances. I look forward to the opportunity to work across the aisle to bring forward solutions that protect Minnesotans’ hard-earned tax dollars and restore balance and accountability.
“For far too long, Minnesotans have seen politicians serve party over people, but that changes with me. I answer to no one but the people of my district, and I will do everything in my power to find common ground, reach across the aisle, and deliver for the residents of Senate District 47,”
In 2024 Dorau ran for the House of Representatives in Woodbury District 47A. He was defeated by state Rep. Ethan Cha, who currently holds the seat. Cha has announced his candidacy for the Senate seat. Both Cha and state Rep. Amanda Hemmingsen-Jaeger, are running in the August 26 DFL primary for the open seat.
Candidates can file for the seat with the Secretary of State or the county auditors of Ramsey or Washington Counties beginning Wednesday, July 30, and continuing until Wednesday, Aug. 6.