St. Paul, MN On Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2016, St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman announced his candidacy for governor.
I’m excited to share that I’m running for Governor of the great state of Minnesota. Join me. https://t.co/qEa3sFlKZt pic.twitter.com/3zUise9Ey4
— Chris Coleman (@mayorcoleman) December 13, 2016
Coleman announced earlier this year that he would not be running for a fourth term as mayor. On his campaign website, Coleman states:
I am running for Governor because I believe Minnesota is strongest when we work together. I believe we are at our best when we are true to ourselves. I believe that no one has to lose so that others can win. I believe Minnesota is the greatest state in the nation. These are my guiding principles.
Pointing to his time as mayor of St. Paul, Coleman said that he has brought people together to invest in the children, make public safety a priority and keep and create “good-paying jobs.” His plans for Minnesota follow those he initiated in St. Paul.
The St. Paul Pioneer Press reports that Republicans scorned Coleman’s announcement:
The GOP-aligned Minnesota Jobs Coalition called him a “tax-and-spend liberal” and criticized his handling of St. Paul’s budget, which is currently facing a potential $32 million shortfall after the constitutionality of some of the city’s fees was questioned by the state Supreme Court.
Coleman joins a large field of potential gubernatorial candidates, but is only the third person to declare candidacy for the race. Other declared candidates include Representative Erin Murphy (DFL-64A) and political newcomer, William Christopher Chamberlain a Republican from St. Cloud.
Andrea Mayer-Bruestle
Andrea Mayer-Bruestle is a former writer for Alpha News.
