VERNDALE — Lake Shore Mayor Krista Knudsen received the Republican endorsement for Minnesota House District 5A on Saturday, April 2, at an endorsement convention in Verndale, earning support from local Republicans for the newly drawn district that includes portions of Cass, Wadena, Hubbard and Becker counties.
That House district includes the following area communities: cities of Backus, Chickamaw Beach, East Gull Lake, Hackensack, Lake Shore and Pine River, along with the area townships of Barclay, Bull Moose, Bungo, Deerfield, Fairview, Home Brook, Loon Lake, McKinley, Pine River, Powers, Walden and Wilson.
The general election is Nov. 8.
“It’s an honor to earn the support of my Republican friends, and to be the endorsed Republican candidate for District 5A,” Knudsen said in a news release. “As your next state representative, I will work to cut your taxes, protect your freedoms and liberties from government overreach, and work to help our businesses who have been harmed so badly from the mandates and shutdowns of the past couple years.”
Knudsen and her husband have been married for 15 years and have four children. She and her husband are the owners of Cowboy's Restaurant in Lake Shore. She recently received her substitute teaching license, giving her the opportunity to work as an educator in the area. She also served previously on the Lake Shore City Council before being elected mayor in 2020.
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Knudsen was competing against Cass County Economic Development Corporation Executive Director Mike Paulus, who also sought the Republican endorsement for the House seat.
"I'm a competitor; I love to compete," Paulus said in a news release. "This was a game I'd never played before, and I had to learn the rules as I went. I didn't have experienced political advisers in my corner. In hindsight, I realize some missteps I made along the way. Although I wish the outcome had been different, my passion for helping businesses in our region resonated with a lot of people. To my supporters, I say thank you for your belief and love, and trust me that I will work every day to continue improving our state despite not serving as your representative. Many people have asked me if I plan to run again, and I see that as a real possibility."
