Rep. Ryan Winkler announces Hennepin County attorney run

A prominent DFL lawmaker announced Tuesday he is running for Hennepin County attorney.

House Majority Leader Ryan Winkler said he wants to bring progressive leadership to the position and plans to prioritize addressing violent crime.

Winkler, a lawyer from Golden Valley, has been a proponent of legalizing marijuana and enacting stronger police accountability measures.

"People in Hennepin County are frustrated that their leaders have not delivered basic public safety needs for our communities," Winkler said in a statement. "I’m running for County Attorney because we need progressive leadership that will bring people together around a common vision for addressing public safety and racial justice."

Mary Moriarty has also announced she’s running for Hennepin County attorney. Meanwhile, Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman announced that he isn’t pursuing another term.

The election will take place in November 2022.