APPLE VALLEY, Minn. – Former state Representative Erin Maye Quade, nine months pregnant, was speaking to a Democratic endorsement convention when she began contractions. She paused, held her stomach — and kept on with her speech. When done, an aide escorted Quade to a chair. As she sat down, the aide shouted angrily to the audience that Quade’s rival had been asked to let her go first because of her pregnant condition but refused. Quade remained, still seated, for a Q&A on legislative issues but wincing with cervical contractions every few minutes. After the Q-A, Quade excused herself and was driven to the hospital. At 2:30 a.m. she gave birth. The baby, a girl, was fine. At the convention, meanwhile, Justin Quade won thee first endorsement round 91-74 and went on to win the final round unopposed, From her hospital bed Quade said that, although not having the local endorsement, she still would be seeking the newly configured Senate District 56 seat in the primary election 9.
Quade. One term in Minnesota House, 2017-2019. Then the DFL-endorsed candidate for lieutenant governor. The first LGBTQ person to be endorsed on the ticket of a major Minnesota political party. Degree from St. Thomas in political science, justice and peace studies
Emmerich. Has been criticized for for not asking the convention to stop once had to leave. Has been a legislative assistant in the Minnesota Senate since 2018. Holds degrees from the University of Minnesota, in political science, and from Mankato State, in economics.