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On Friday, Kristi Pursell, of Northfield, officially became the first candidate to announce her candidacy for the House of Representatives seat Todd Lippert is vacating.

Pursell, executive director of Clean River Partners, said she was inspired to run for office, mainly because of Lippert’s outstanding example.

“I’m inspired to continue to build upon the coalitions and relationships Todd’s created,” Pursell said. “Many people were distressed by the news that he was stepping down.”

She said, after helping with Lippert’s door-to-door grassroots campaign the last couple of years, she’s been especially impressed with his unflagging “hope, enthusiasm and energy.”

Pursell, executive director of Clean River Partners, said she was inspired to run for office, mainly because of Lippert’s outstanding example.

“I’m inspired to continue to build upon the coalitions and relationships Todd’s created,” Pursell said. “Many people were distressed by the news that he was stepping down.”

She said, after helping with Lippert’s door-to-door grassroots campaign the last couple of years, she’s been especially impressed with his unflagging “hope, enthusiasm and energy.”

Kristi Pursell announced her candidacy today to represent the people of District 58A in the Minnesota House of Representatives.

Pursell lives in Northfield with her young family. A graduate of St. Olaf College who grew up in Rochester, she's running because she cares deeply about her home and believes state government should be rooted in compassion, resilience, and justice.

"I've spent the past several years of my career building innovative partnerships dedicated to a healthier, more equitable and more prosperous Minnesota," she says. "Now I want to take those ideals and values to St. Paul and put them to work for all Minnesotans in the House of Representatives.”

Pursell has worked for Clean River Partners (formerly the Cannon River Watershed Partnership) for seven years, four and a half of those as Executive Director. Under her leadership, Clean River Partners has grown significantly thanks largely to their close working relationship with farmers and local communities to promote conservation practices across the region.

Pursell explains, “My work with Clean River Partners has taught me to listen and has helped me to understand the unique needs and strengths of the people of southern Minnesota. Though the pandemic, climate change, and shrinking rural economies pose real threats to our wellbeing, I've seen firsthand the inspiring resilience, cooperation and ingenuity of Minnesotans. If our children are going to inherit a better Minnesota than we did, that needs to start with clean water, a community of support, good education, and a stronger democracy."

Pursell is seeking the DFL endorsement and plans to participate in the precinct caucuses on February 1.

For more information or to make a donation visit www.kristipursell.com and find her campaign on all social media platforms: @Pursell4MNHouse