Minnesota Democrats re-elect Ken Martin as chair

DFL Party Chairman Ken Martin, with Smith and Nolan.
DFL Party Chairman Ken Martin, center, spoke at a small rally in Grand Rapids, Minn., on Nov. 6, 2016, with Lt. Gov. Tina Smith and Eighth District Congressman Rick Nolan.nn
Mark Zdechlik | MPR News

Minnesota Democrats have re-elected Ken Martin as their state party chair for the next two years. This will be Martin's fourth term. He was challenged by former party associate chairwoman Donna Cassutt.

Cassutt said it was time for a new leader who can rebuild trust with voters. Following his win, Martin told party members that "we must move forward together."

Democrats were in Hinckley Saturday to choose a chair and other party leaders. They also heard from several declared candidates for governor.

Their meeting follows a bruising election cycle. Democrats lost many rural legislative seats as Republicans swept back to power in the Minnesota Senate.

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