Members of the Lake County DFL gathered at Lakeview Park on Wednesday, September 10th for an end of summer picnic. Richard Carlbom, the newly elected Chair of the Democrat Farm Labor Party, was on hand to introduce himself and speak about the path forward for the Party as we all look toward the coming elections of 2026.
Carlbom took a moment to address the political violence that has recently taken the lives of Melissa and Mark Hortman, two children at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis and Charlie Kirk, who was shot and killed in Utah that very afternoon. He also mentioned the ongoing support that is needed for John and Yvette Hoffman as they recover from grievous wounds they sustained in June. Carlborn stated “This political violence continues and we have to ban together and say that political violence has no place in this country. We must ban together to stop this”.
In brief remarks to the crowd, Carlbom acknowledged that Democrats need to do a better job of listening to voters and learn about their priorities. With that in mind, the DFL will be working to build their organization in all 87 counties and will be deploying party organizers across the State. The plan is to “build from the bottom up” in the hope of electing new DFL candidates in November of 2026. Carlbom also outlined the things that Democrats have been able to secure for the people of Minnesota including, passing the largest child tax credit in the U.S., investing $100 million in literacy programs, investing $300 million in nursing homes, strengthening collective bargaining rights and defending the rights of families with transgender children to seek science based care for their children.
Senator Grant Hauschild was also on hand and announced his candidacy for the State Senate. He called for democrats to “stand together for Minnesota families and for Northern Minnesota”. The 8th District is the largest and most rural district in the state and Hauschild highlighted the importance of having a diverse range of voices in the state legislature. Hauschild’s record shows his commitment to North Shore communities and his willingness to work across party lines for the good of 8th district residents. “We need to understand that we need state programs, state policies and a community and culture where we look out for each other”.
According to the Lake County Republican’s web site, they meet on the 4th Monday of each month, alternating between Two Harbors and Silver Bay. Though their web page seems to need some updating, it looks like their September meeting will be in Silver Bay. The Lake County DFL has held two action forums over the summer, in addition to the event on September 10th. Your involvement in the State and local political races is important. Regardless of your political affiliation, educate yourself beyond simple loyalty to party. Policy platforms are important and tell us more than simple political slogans. Rise above the partisan vitriol, seek a deeper understanding and get involved.
