Prosecutor Seeks Hennepin County Commissioner Seat

Ben Schweigert, a Hennepin County prosecutor, announced Friday that he is running for the Hennepin County District 3 seat currently occupied by Commissioner Gail Dorfman.

District 3 covers St. Louis Park and parts of southwest Minneapolis. Dorfman announced earlier this month she will not seek re-election.

Schweigert was born and raised in the Twin Cities. He and his wife now live in the Kingfield neighborhood.

In his job as a prosecutor, he focuses on financial crimes. He is also the legislative liaison for the county attorney’s office.

His priorities as a commissioner candidate are “livability and transportation issues, reducing the opportunity gap, public safety, and continuing Commissioner Dorfman’s legacy of developing affordable housing and ending homelessness.”

“I am a passionate progressive and persistent optimist, and like my neighbors and the other people of this vibrant district, I know that open minds and new ideas will make our community even stronger tomorrow than it is today,” a news release quoted Schweigert. “I am running for the Hennepin County Board because how we confront our challenges and seize our opportunities will determine the shape of our future.”