FARGO -- Jeff Backer Jr., mayor of Browns Valley, Minn., announced today he will run for Minnesota State Senate in the 9th District.
Backer plans to challenge Democratic Senator Keith Langseth.
"At a time when Minnesota needs real leaders finding a solution to a once-in-a-lifetime economic crisis, St. Paul has failed us. Last year the legislature did not even do their most basic job and pass a balanced budget., Backer said in a statement.
Backer also believes Minnesota should treat all students the same.
"It's a fact that should make all parents and grandparents in this district cringe. The students in greater Minnesota receive significantly less state aid per pupil funding compared to the school districts in Minneapolis and St. Paul. The long term St. Paul politicians failed us again," he said.
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Backer is a third-term mayor of Browns Valley, which was hit by major flooding in March 2007.
In May 2009, Browns Valley started the Westside Floodway Side Diversion project and this fall completed phase one.
Backer has served as a volunteer EMT for the Browns Valley Ambulance Service for nearly 16 years. He currently he serves on the Minnesota Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training. Along with his twin brother, Backer has operated a business for 19 years in his community. He is married and has one daughter.
Senate District 9 includes all of Traverse, Wilkin and Clay counties and southwest Becker County, including the city of Detroit Lakes.
Backer will be seeking the Republican endorsement.
