Swedzinski challenged by VanOverbeke in 15A

Incumbent Chris Swedzinski (R-Ghent) is being challenged by Minneota native Keith VanOverbeke (D-Marshall) in the general election for Minnesota House of Representatives in District 15A.
Swedzinski has been a state representative since 2010. for District 16, which will be changed to 15A in January.
Swedzinski, a Minneota High School graduate, currently farms between Taunton and Porter and also owns a small welding business near Ghent where he lives with his wife, Jessica, and their five children.
He received a B.S. in both History and Political Science from MSU, Mankato.
“I am running for re-election because our rural economy is in a fragile recovery after our state was shut down in response to COVID-19, and we need leaders with a common sense, conservative approach to state government in order to develop a strong private sector,” he said on his website. "In turn, that will create jobs and expand economic vitality in greater Minnesota."
Swedzinski is the Republican Lead on the Energy and Climate Finance and Policy Division, as well was serving on the Commerce and Taxes committees.
VanOverbeke was born in Tracy and grew up and farmed north of Minneota. He is a Minneota High School graduate. He attended the University of Minnesota-Morris and earned a degree in Political Science. He worked for Burlington Northern-Santa Fe Railroad for 41 years as a maintenance worker.
"I wanted to run because we need an effective government that works for the interest of all of us," he said during an introduce the candidates special on PBS. "I was born in this district and lived in this district all of my life and I understand the nature of this district and our basic needs."
VanOverbeke revealed on PBS that he was laid off the railroad several timesover his 41 years due to economic hardships.
"The work I did was difficult but meaningful and useful," he said. "I understand what's it like to have difficulties in life."