Longtime DFL activist Peter Wagenius announced that he is running for the Minnesota Senate seat being vacated by Sen. Larry Pogemiller of Minneapolis.
Wagenius, policy director for Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak and the son of DFL state Rep. Jean Wagenius, said he wants to focus on improving the lives of middle and working class Minnesotans.
"People who work in cities, counties and schools know how much damage the Republican Legislature's budget has done," Wagenius said in a statement. "We've had to clean up their messes and try to reduce the impact of their cuts. Their budget has weakened Minnesota's quality of life: a few are doing well, but everyone else is still struggling."
Wagenius is expected to be among a long list of high-profile DFLers likely to run for Senate District 59, which Pogemiller held since 1982.
Wagenius, 40, said he has led transportation initiatives, worked to retool Minneapolis' pension system and helped craft the city's code of ethics.
Wagenius grew up in Minneapolis and attended public schools. He has lived in Senate District 59 for 14 years.
Pogemiller announced last week he was leaving the Senate after Gov. Mark Dayton appointed him director of the Minnesota Office of Higher Education. A special election will be held Jan. 10 to fill the vacancy, with a primary slated for Dec. 6 if necessary.
