St. Paul Rep. Cy Thao not seeking re-election

Rep. Cy Thao, DFLSt. Paul, a four-term lawmaker representing parts of St. Paul's Frogtown, Summit-University and Rice Street neighborhoods, is not running for re-election, a party official said.

Thao, who has been coy about his plans, recently was fined more than $4,700 for campaign finance-related violations. He has denied any wrongdoing.

Sources told Minnesota Public Radio he was leaving for other opportunities. Thao is one of two Hmong lawmakers in Minnesota.

The DFL nominating convention for his seat, which can be tantamount to winning in heavily Democratic St. Paul, is set for March 7, though DFL officials said an endorsement may be delayed. Senate District 65 DFL chair Bob Spaulding said Thao announced in an e-mail to supporters sent Friday that he is not seeking re-election.

St. Paul Public Schools employee Jeremiah Ellis, former Frogtown Times publisher Tony Schmidt and lobbyist Jessica Webster all have expressed interest in the seat.

— Jason Hoppin

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