MN election: Senate District 60 DFL candidate drops out

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - A DFL candidate for Senate District 60, a heavily left-leaning area of Minneapolis, dropped out of the race ahead of the special election set to be held on Jan. 28, 2025. 

READ MORE: MN election: Senate District 60 heading to special primary and election

Candidate drops out of race 

What they're saying:

Mohamed Jama announced on social media that he was dropping out of the race. 

The statement was shared on his Facebook page on Wednesday afternoon and said the following:

"Dear Friends and Neighbors,

"After much reflection, I have decided to withdraw my candidacy for Minnesota senate district  60 in the upcoming election. This decision was not made lightly, and I want to express my deepest gratitude to the Cedar Riverside community, which raised me and entrusted me with the responsibility of stepping up to represent our shared values and aspirations.

"I am grateful for the unwavering support and guidance I have received from the Somali Caucus throughout my candidacy. Your continued encouragement and advice have been invaluable, and I am proud to stand with such a dedicated and passionate group.

"Although I am stepping back from this election, my commitment to our community remains steadfast. I will continue to stay active and engaged, working tirelessly to address the challenges we face and advocate for the needs and dreams of our community.

"Thank you all for your trust, support, and belief in the vision we share for a brighter future."

Jama co-founded the Cedar Riverside Youth Council and served on the boards of the West Bank Community Coalition and the Neighborhood Revitalization Program, according to his campaign social media site.

He claimed to prioritize affordable and accessible housing, comprehensive public safety and economic opportunity for residents. 

Walz schedules special election for Senate District 60

What we know:

Gov. Tim Walz issued a writ of special election to fill the Senate District 60 vacancy in Hennepin County after Dziedzic died on Dec. 27.

The special election will be held on Jan. 28, 2025. If necessary, a primary election will be held on Jan. 14, 2025. 

Candidates who are interested in running must file an affidavit of candidacy and nominating petition with the Minnesota Secretary of State by 5 p.m. on Dec. 31. 

Dig deeper:

The Senate District 60 special election will be held on the same day as the special election for House District 40B after a judge determined the winner of that race, Democrat Curtis Johnson, didn't live in the district, so wasn't eligible. 

Sen. Dziedzic dies of cancer 

The backstory:

Dziedzic, 62, died on Dec. 27 while surrounded by family, according to a statement from her family. 

She was elected to represent Senate District 60 in January 2012, and served as Senate Majority Leader from January 2023 until she stepped down from the role in February 2024, after her ovarian cancer returned.

In 2024, she got a bill passed to help fellow cancer patients get coverage for wigs. The law takes effect on Jan. 1. 

As she was being treated for cancer, she worked remotely during the 2024 legislative session. She never missed a vote. 

Dziedzic's death leaves the Minnesota Senate at a 33-33 split.