Southwest Voices: What are your thoughts on Rep. Frank Hornstein not running for office again?

Dylan McMahon: I was chairing an SD61DFL meeting just 10 days before Frank announced his retirement. When we were in that meeting together, there was every indication that he was taking his reelection campaign seriously and had an excellent campaign structure behind him. When he called to tell me he was retiring I was surprised, but it wasn’t surprising. There have been 18 other House retirement announcements as I write this, and the 2023-2024 biennium has been incredibly productive. If you’re going to retire, retire at the top, right? It also makes me afraid. There’s real antisemitism that’s been coming out of the woodwork since October 7th. To lose a Jewish legislator at this moment is heartbreaking.

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SWV: How have you worked with Rep. Hornstein in the past?

DM: In my role as the former chair of Senate District 61 DFL, I worked with Rep. Hornstein by providing venues for interaction and engagement with the community including monthly SD61DFL meetings, town halls, and last fall a Party with the DFL in Elliot Park. Like most people, my professional work doesn’t take me to the Capitol. But I hope that the conversations a representative has at neighborhood meetings and annual events break through just as effectively.

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SWV: Why are you running for Rep. Hornstein’s seat?

DM: I care about healthcare, housing, and economic recovery. Not all elected positions have the opportunity to impact all three. In the Minnesota House I would be another reliable DFL voice for greater healthcare access, more affordable and deeply affordable housing, and champion downtown and Uptown Minneapolis along with the rest of the Minneapolis delegation.

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SWV: On your website, you say you will be a representative “committed to community.” What does a representative committed to community look like in action?

DM: I think a representative committed to community is one that shows up often, not just at tentpole town halls. You can expect me to offer to be at every neighborhood association meeting once elected. I’ll be at Pride in Loring Park. I’ll be at the Luminary Loppet. I’ll be at Holidazzle in whatever way it’s reborn. Every request for a constituent meeting will be responded to. Commitment to community is accessibility.

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SWV: What is something unique you would bring to the table as a House representative for 61A?

DM: I grew up working class in a big, union, Irish Catholic family. Only one of my parents graduated high school, and I had an older brother who was severely handicapped and died at 15. I attended a cheaper state college to graduate without debt and had to work pouring concrete for half a year after graduating. I’ve gotten really lucky, worked really hard, and taken calculated risks to build the life I’ve made for myself. I want to ensure others have an easier path to economic success, accessible healthcare, and stable, affordable housing. What’s a bigger way to make that impact than running for State House?

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SWV: Can you confirm what Minneapolis neighborhood you live in and, if outside of 61A, whether you plan to move to the district if you come to represent the district?

DM: I live in the part of Fulton that was 61A before they moved the lines underneath me in the last redistricting. In fact, I don’t live too far from where Frank lived before redistricting. Not only would I be legally required to move, but I would welcome it. When I chaired SD61DFL it was for all of SD61, from Harrison to Armatage. The chain of lakes is the jewel of our city’s park system and there’s no bad choice of where to live.