Hawley Mayor Jim Joy earned the Republican nomination on Saturday, May 7 for House District 4B – which includes much of Clay and Becker Counties, including Detroit Lakes, Audubon and Lake Park. The seat is now held by DFL Rep. Paul Marquart, who is retiring.
"It's an honor to have the trust and support of my Republican friends and neighbors, and I look forward to the next stage of the campaign and earning the trust of our district," Joy said in a news release.
"I'm ready to go to Saint Paul and be a leader for our rural communities,” he added. “I'll be a staunch supporter of law enforcement, work to cut your taxes, and protect the rights of all Minnesotans. I will oppose lockdowns and mandates, support our gun rights, and protect the most vulnerable — especially the unborn."
Before becoming mayor, Joy served on the Hawley City Council. He's also a reserve police officer and is a small business owner and operator. He grew up in Detroit Lakes, and now lives in Hawley with his wife and their three children.