UMM student announces candidacy for DFL endorsement in 12A

CORRECTION: This story originally stated that Matthew Fredericks was from New York Mills. That was incorrect. Fredericks is from Stillwater, Minn., with extended family in New York Mills. We regret the error.

MORRIS, Minn. - Matthew Fredericks, student at the University of Minnesota, Morris with extended family in New York Mills, has announced his candidacy in District 12A in the Minnesota House of Representatives. Fredericks is seeking the DFL endorsement for the seat.

In his announcement, Fredericks said his family's roots have been in New York Mills for over 100 years. Fredericks is studying English and political science and is originally from Stillwater, Minn.

"I am replanting my roots in the district because I feel that this is the type of community where I want to live, work and start a family in," said Fredericks.

Fredericks said there is a "drastic need" to restore civility in the House and Senate.

"The only way to regain control over our state is to vote for people who will remain civil and will not demonize the people on the other side of the aisle," said Fredericks. "Some of my greatest supporters are strict constitutional conservatives to life-long DFL members. Although I do not agree with what most of the Republicans have to say, the difference is I listen and I believe that listening to each other is what has been lost within the past few years at the Capitol."

Fredericks hopes to put west central Minnesota "back on the map as a center of innovation, top achieving schools, a sustainable rural economy, affordable and excellent healthcare [and] supporting family farmers."