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Bonoff To Challenge Paulsen For Congressional Seat

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – A DFL State Senator announced her run for Congress on Saturday, citing bipartisanship taking over the presidential race as a key factor in her decision.

Sen. Terri Bonoff will challenge Republican Rep. Erik Paulsen for Congress in the 3rd District. Paulsen has held that seat since 2009.

In front of a DFL convention for Senate District 44 at Minnetonka High School, Bonoff announced her long-rumored run for Congress.

"I feel so strongly that my brand of leadership and governance is exactly what's needed in Washington," said Bonoff.

"This is a big deal," political science professor Larry Jacobs said.

Jacobs says Bonoff's run comes at a time of opportunity when the Republican party is divided over a presidential nominee. Bonoff, who's served in the Senate for 11 years, is known for being a more moderate democrat.

"Even if Trump is not the nominee, we may see a lot of discouragement among Republicans, particularly the more independent, swing Republicans," Jacobs said.

The 3rd Congressional District is a swing district. President Barack Obama won the district in both 2008 and 2012. But Paulsen is also more moderate in his party.

"He's someone who's got a lot of loyalty in that district," Jacobs said.

Paulsen's campaign called out Bonoff -- who also ran for congress in 2008 -- referencing her hikes on gas and sales taxes.

"Terri Bonoff is a failed Congressional candidate retread back for another try," the statement read in part. "Bonoff's record will be a heavy, heavy weight around her campaign again."

Jon Tollefson, a Democrat, announced he would be suspending his campaign to run for the 3rd Congressional seat and instead support Bonoff.

"I am putting my trust in Terri because I know she commits herself fully to investing in our communities, advancing social justice and working every day to ensure our economic and national security," Tollefson said.

Paulsen was re-elected with over 60 percent of the vote back in 2014. Democratic leaders consider Paulsen's seat one they can take in November.

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