Local Endorsement and Letter of Support

 

Senate District 53 is an Organizing Unit (OU) of Minnesota DFL. We are a committed group of volunteers and activists in Woodbury, Maplewood (four precincts), Oakdale (two precincts), and Landfall working to elect Democrats to all levels of public office, promote the party platform, advocate equality for all people and create healthy communities through service, education, and empowerment. 

We hold screenings each year for candidates who are: (1) aligned with the DFL Party platform, and (2) live within our voting area. DFL members are encouraged to participate in our candidate screening sessions and be part of making our endorsement decisions. We make every effort to screen all DFL candidates in the same race on the same day with the same committee members. Candidate screenings are typically open to the public. We appreciate the time candidates and members put into this process.

The Campaign Support Committee Report (2020)

Endorsement vs. Letter of Support

The decision to endorse a candidate versus providing a letter of support to a candidate is based on the geographic boundaries of our district. Senate District 53 composes of all of Woodbury, and Landfall, four precincts in Maplewood, and two precincts in Oakdale. As a district, the Senate District's Central Committee can "endorse" candidates for positions of Mayor, City Council, and the Commissioner District 5 as each of these positions are within Woodbury's precincts. Conversely, SD53 can provide a letter of support to candidates looking to run for school board or county offices in Maplewood and Oakdale. Each level of support provides the candidate with access to the VAN and monetary support (if funds are available). It is only the endorsed candidate that appears on the sample ballot (and not the candidate with a letter of support).

To learn more about our endorsement and/or letter of support process, click here.

Woodbury precincts include: All of Woodbury (P-1 to P-16)--Candidates receive endorsement

Maplewood precincts (4) include Maplewood (P-10 to P-13)--Candidates receive "letter of support"

Oakdale precincts (2) include Oakdale (P-1 and P-8)--Candidates receive "letter of support"

Landfall--Candidates receive endorsement

If you are interested in SD53's support for your candidacy, fill out the questionnaire below, and email it to sd53dfl@gmail.com by August 17, 2020. Filling out the questionnaire allows the Central Committee to get to know the candidate better before he/she appears before the committee for review.

Candidate Questionnaire (PDF)
Candidate Questionnaire (Word)

Interviewing Times and Dates (2020)

City Council Members     August 20, 2020, 6:00 PM via Zoom
Commissioner                  August 20, 2020, 6:00 PM via Zoom

School Board                    August 20, 2020, 6:00 PM via Zoom       

ISD 622--Precincts: Maplewood P-10, Maplewood P-11, Maplewood P-12, Maplewood P-13, Woodbury P-01, Woodbury P-2, Woodbury P-7, Woodbury P-8
Boundaries map for ISD 622

ISD 833--Precincts: Woodbury P-1 to Woodbury P-8; Woodbury P-10 to Woodbury P-16
Boundaries map for ISD 833

ISD 834--Precincts: Woodbury P-7, Woodbury P-8, Woodbury P-9a
Boundaries map for ISD 834

We are eager to meet you.  If you have questions or concerns, please feel free to leave us a message at 612-470-3528 and we will get in touch with you as soon as possible.