EAGAN, Minn. — Former Democratic legislator Melisa López Franzen launched a political comeback, this time for the U.S. Senate. López Franzen is making it a two-way race for the Democratic nomination for Senate seat being vacated by the retirement of Tina Smith. López Franzen’s candidacy makes it a two-way race with Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan. López Franzen served 10 years in the state Senate. She bowed out in 2022 after the boundaries of her district were redrawn. The new Senate District 49 would have had her running against another Democrat incumbent so she withdrew. At the time she was the Senate majority leader. “I made a difficult decision when I got redistricted,” she said. “But now having the background of being away from it, especially for the last two years, I think it’s refreshing, but it’s also reaffirmed my commitment to public service.” She has operated a consulting firm since leaving the state Senate. Currently she is executive director of government and community relations at the University of Minnesota.

Campaign plans, positions

In launching her campaign, López Franzen called herself a champion for accessible healthcare, education and small businesses. Her legislative record shows her a moderate on economic issues. As a U.S. senator she said she would advocate for the middle class. “The stakes are high right now,” López Franzen said. “I want to bring a voice of sanity back to Washington.” Franzen, age 44, who lives in Edina, said she would campaign in all 87 of Minnesota’s counties.

Biography

López Franzen grew up in Puerto Rico. Her Latina heritage, she said, is key to who she is as a person. She has been in Minnesota 23 years and identifies herself as a “quintessential Minnesotan.” She noted she owns a snowmobile and a cabin Up North and calls herself a soccer mom.

Earlier: Franken is 14th Flanagan endorser for Senate

Earlier: Flanagan campaigning for U.S. Senate