Ben Schweigert announced Friday that he's running for the Hennepin County Board seat now held by Gail Dorfman, who is not seeking re-election next year.

Schweigert works as a prosecutor for the county, with a focus on financial crimes, and is the legislative liaison for the county attorney's office.

He said his priorities are livability and transportation issues, reducing the opportunity gap, public safety, and continuing Dorfman's work of seeking to create more affordable housing and end homelessness. He said he will seek and abide by the DFL Party's endorsement in his bid for the Third District seat, which covers southwest Minneapolis and St. Louis Park.

Dorfman, a commissioner for 14 years, announced earlier this month that she will not seek another term. During her 23 years in elective office, she also has been St. Louis Park mayor and a City Council member.

Schweigert and his wife live in the Kingfield neighborhood. For more information, go to www.benforhennepin.org.

STAFF REPORT