![Mayor Betsy Hodges listened as candidate Raymond Dehn articulated his viewpoints on public safety. ] ANTHONY SOUFFLE ï anthony.souffle@startribune.com Candidates participated in a mayoral forum Saturday, April 15, 2017 at Herbert M. Hanson Jr. Hall on the grounds of the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis.](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/3ONAEQWS3ZLPMESM3ZI5QUK62E.jpg?&w=1080)
Lt. Gov. Tina Smith endorsed Minneapolis Mayor Betsy Hodges on Tuesday, backing her bid for re-election.
Smith's public support for Hodges follows endorsements from other elected officials and organizations including U.S. Sen. Al Franken, Ramsey County Attorney John Choi, Service Employees International Union and OutFront Minnesota. In a statement, Smith called Hodges a "talented, committed" leader.
"In her years of service, and as mayor, Betsy has consistently fought for every resident of this great city," Smith said.
Hodges was first elected in 2013, when Smith endorsed Mark Andrew in the crowded race to succeed Mayor R.T. Rybak.
Hodges' opponents in this year's mayoral race have also received numerous endorsements from officials and politically active groups.
Council Member Jacob Frey has garnered union support from groups including AFSCME and the Minneapolis Building and Construction Trades Council. DFL state Rep. Ray Dehn has gotten endorsements from the Minnesota Nurses Association, DFL state Reps. Ilhan Omar and Karen Clark, and the progressive group Our Revolution.
Emma Nelson • 612-673-4509
