On October 29th, Winona DFL precinct chairs and vice-chairs, along with the Executive Committee and other members of the Senate District 26 Central Committee, met in the basement of the Kensington Building and provisionally endorsed Dan Wilson as their candidate for the House District 26A.  A provisional endorsement is valid until the end of this year if no opposing DFL candidate has filed for the same seat (Jack Hedin, who had been in the race, has stepped out of the race).  

The mood was upbeat at the meeting: before the vote, Dan addressed the group. He said his priorities are housing, childcare, and protecting county taxpayers from the disastrous effects of the federal budget.  He added that he wants to bring the DFL back to its Farm Labor roots.  He also took questions. When the vote was called, those present endorsed him by unanimous vote.  

“I’m deeply honored by this endorsement,” said Dan.  “This is a crucial step that solidifies my campaign to bring new leadership to St. Paul and deliver real results for the people of Winona. With this, our campaign can immediately begin coordinating with the MN House Caucus, the MN DFL Party, and the Winona DFL.” 

After the vote, House DFL Leader Representative Zach Stephenson put in a surprise appearance to offer Dan his congratulations.  Representative Stephenson told the crowd that his mentor and predecessor, the late Melissa Hortman, always said that it was “darkest before the dawn.” Looking around the room at the assembled DFLers, he said, “The dawn is coming.  People like you and Dan are going to bring the new dawn.”  

Winona County DFL Chair Jim Worthley said after the meeting that “Winona is not being well served by our current State Representative, Aaron Repinski. That situation will change when Dan Wilson is elected House District 26A Representative in November 2026.”   He asserted that “Dan will be a great State Rep. He is knowledgeable about the needs of our community and he will work hard to provide effective solutions. He is honest, fair, and compassionate and will bring integrity to the office.”  Jim encouraged everyone to learn more about Dan Wilson and his priorities and platform at his website: danwilsonforhouse.com