Hayden Wins SD 61 DFL Primary

The election results would leave most career politicians salivating.

With 57 percent of the vote, and all precincts reporting, has won the DFL primary election in the race to replace state Sen Linda Berglin (DFL-Minneapolis).  last month after serving many years in the state legislature.

Before the election, Hayden had raked in numerous endorsements from different quarters of the local DFL establishment, and had been the favorite going into last night's election.

Hayden's campaign released a statement just before 10 p.m. last night declaring victory with 95 percent of precincts reporting.

"I will fight to make Minnesota better for all of us," Hayden was quoted in the statement as saying. "I will fight for a fair tax system, better schools and single-payer health care. I'll fight for equality and I'll fight to win back our DFL majority. These are the issues important to voters in my district and if elected, I will make sure they are voiced at the Capitol."

Hayden's closest challenger, local community organizer Sadik Warfa, could not be reached for comment by the time this article went to press. Warfa took just over 28 percent of the 2,359 votes.

If Hayden, as expected, wins the Oct. 18 general election in this heavily-DFL district, another special election will be held later this year for his vacated seat.