Amid 50 supporters and family members, St. Paul campus Rep. Mary Jo McGuire, DFL-Falcon Heights, announced her candidacy Sunday afternoon for the Fourth Congressional District.
McGuire follows several other state leaders who have announced their plans to run for the Congressional seat vacated by Rep. Bruce Vento, D-Minn. Vento, who held the seat for 24 years, announced earlier this month that he has lung cancer and will not seek re-election.
Although she is saddened Vento’s service was cut short, McGuire said it is crucial someone continues to work for the same issues he has worked on for more than 20 years.
“As I look at my own legislative career, and my record of support for these same issues, I feel compelled to enter the race for the Fourth Congressional District,” McGuire said.
McGuire has advocated for early childhood development, efforts against violence in communities, the environment and health care at the state level.
McGuire said she is also very concerned about higher-education issues, especially financial aid. She has represented the St. Paul campus area for 12 years.
“Financial aid needs to be made more accessible to students,” McGuire said.
Many institutions of higher education are having enormous problems obtaining funds to maintain buildings on campuses, she added.
“We have struggled with this at the state level, and there is more the federal government can do to help,” McGuire said.
She also said quality child care is crucial.
“If we can help people with child care, we can help them move toward self-sufficiency,” McGuire said.
Affordable health care is another issue McGuire said she will fight for in Congress, especially lowering prescription drugs for senior citizens.
East Bank Rep. Phyllis Kahn, DFL-Minneapolis, said she has known McGuire for a long time and fully supports her candidacy.
McGuire, Kahn said, has an incredibly impressive record and is well-liked.
Kahn also said she supports more women running for legislative positions.
“It has been clear that this district, along with the Fifth District, should send a woman to Washington,” Kahn said.
Sen. John Marty, DFL-Roseville, and Rep. Mindy Greiling, DFL-Roseville, were also at the news conference to show their support for McGuire.
Megan Boldt covers government and welcomes comments at [email protected]. She can also be reached at (612) 627-4070 x3212.