Republican Delegates Pack Lake City Venue as Senate District 20 Holds Endorsing Convention
Lake City, Minn. — Nearly 170 delegates from across Senate District 20 filled the Wild Wings Plaza event space on Saturday for an endorsing convention that marked both a transition and a turning point for the district’s legislative landscape. The gathering brought together precinct leaders and local residents for several hours of speeches, procedural votes, and discussions about the district’s political future.
The convention honored Sen. Steve Drazkowski, who has represented the area in the Minnesota Legislature for nearly two decades. Drazkowski will retire at the end of his current term. His decision created an open Senate seat.
Delegates unanimously endorsed Rep. Steve Jacob for the Senate District 20 seat. Jacob, who currently serves in the Minnesota House, was uncontested. His endorsement shifts the district’s legislative lineup and begins a new chapter for the Senate seat held by Drazkowski.
The convention also addressed endorsements for the district’s two-House seats. Rep. Pam Altendorf secured the endorsement for House District 20A, while Sara Bertschinger received the endorsement for House District 20B. Altendorf was also uncontested. Sara Bertschinger was endorsed following the delegates hearing from the candidates before casting their votes.
Throughout the day, the atmosphere inside Wild Wings Plaza reflected a mix of routine party business and the significance of a generational shift. Delegates lined up to register, chatted in small groups between sessions, and filled the hall for speeches. Volunteers managed credentials, staffed tables, and kept the proceedings moving as the convention worked through its agenda.
In addition to endorsements, delegates heard reports from party officers, updates on the current legislative session, and information about the upcoming election cycle. The strong turnout highlighted the level of engagement among local party members heading into a competitive election season.
With endorsements now finalized, candidates will begin preparing for the next phase of the campaign, which includes outreach across the district’s communities and participation in the statewide primary and general election cycles.
Media Contact:
Deb Roschen
507.696.6199