To my Constituents,
Today, a panel of judges issued an order redrawing Minnesota's legislative districts. Unfortunately the new lines have paired me against my colleague and friend Senator Scott Dibble. Senator Dibble and I agree that there are more important battles to wage for the betterment of our state rather than opposing each other. I am, however, strongly considering a run in the newly drawn SD 50 which includes much of my old district including Richfield, where I grew up, and Bloomington. I will discuss my options with my wife Elaine and our family and will be making a more formal decision soon.
I want to thank all of you for your support and input during my time in the Senate. I enjoy reading your letters and meeting with many of you at the Capitol during your visits. While we may not have always agreed I can assure you I put great weight on the information and opinions I received from you.
Regardless of any future decision I hope to continue serving the public interest as it has been one of the most rewarding experiences in my life.
State Representative Frank Hornstein announced his candidacy today for the new House District 61A in southwest Minneapolis.
Hornstein has represented voters in the southern part of this new district for the past 10 years.
A lifelong advocate for social justice and environmental issues, Hornstein first won election to the current House District 60B seat in 2002.
"I'm running to continue my work to promote transit and renewable energy and to advocate for human rights and equality," Hornstein said. "During my time at the legislature, I've learned how to build coalitions to pass legislation that makes a difference in people's lives."
In his years at the legislature, Hornstein has emerged as one of the key DFL legislative leaders on transportation issues, passing bills ranging from creating stable funding for transit corridors to banning texting while driving.
He played a leadership role in building the bi-partisan legislative coalition that overrode Governor Tim Pawlenty's veto of the transportation bill in 2008.
"Minnesota in 2012 is at a crossroads," Hornstein said. "In a time of mean-spirited politics and divisive, misguided constitutional amendments, I want to continue to be a passionate voice for social justice and progressive values."
Hornstein emphasized: "I will continue to be a strong advocate for protecting a woman's right to choose and for marriage equality for the LGBT community."
Hornstein has lived within the boundaries of the new House District 61A for 23 years.
Prior to winning election to the Minnesota House, Hornstein served as an appointed member of the Metropolitan Council. His Metropolitan Council district included all of the new House District 61A and adjacent suburbs.
A community organizer by profession, Hornstein founded and directed two nonprofit grassroots organizations, the Alliance for Metropolitan Stability and Jewish Community Action.
He also served as co-director of Clean Water Action Alliance in Minnesota.
Hornstein is a graduate of Macalester College in St. Paul and earned a Master of Arts degree in urban and environmental policy from Tufts University in Medford, Massachusetts.
Hornstein, 52, lives in the Linden Hills neighborhood with his wife Rabbi Marcia Zimmerman, the senior rabbi at Temple Israel. Daughters Rebecca and Naomi are graduates of Minneapolis South High School and son Max is currently a junior at Minneapolis Southwest High School.
As a Minneapolis Public School parent, Hornstein chaired the leadership council at Clara Barton Open School.
His community service also includes serving on the board of the Linden Hills Co-op.
"I'm proud to announce that I am running for re-election. Every day I am honored by the responsibility of representing my constituents at the State Capitol. Minnesota is at a critical juncture. We have a lot of work to do and I look forward to continuing to represent my constituents' progressive values in the fight for equity."
"Redistricting has expanded my district, adding approximately three new precincts in southwest Minneapolis, including my first Minneapolis home in Linden Hills. I look forward to meeting my new constituents and representing them in the legislature."
This week, a five judge panel revealed its plan for redrawing Minnesota's state legislative and congressional districts. Redistricting occurs every 10 years after the national census to reflect changes to our state's population. Minnesota's population increased by 7.8% from 2000. In drawing the new district lines, the panel sought to have each House member represent approximately 39,582 residents. The new redistricting plan will go into effect after the elections in November.
Two friends of mine were redistricted right out from under me yesterday. My Senator, Scott Dibble (DFL-Mpls), and my Representative, Frank Hornstein (DFL-MN), are now in SD61 (I'm in 62). Dibble is paired against Sen. Ken Kelash (DFL-Mpls). Hornstein in the new 61B against first-termer Marion Greene (DFL-Mpls). Dibble, Greene and Hornstein promptly announced that they are running for their new seats. Kelash is considering his options and may run in SD50 (Richfield).
