Hastings stays in same House district, but number changes

The city of Hastings and Nininger Township remain in the same Minnesota House district under the redistricting plan announced Tuesday. There is one change -- the number of the district will change from 57B to 54B.

“For the most part, it is exactly the way is has been,” said Rep. Denny McNamara, Republican-Hastings, who has represented the area for 10 years. “There is a small area that changes – St. Mary’s Beach moves out of the district and there is a little part of Cottage Grove – the northwest area, which I lose.”

McNamara noted that the district geographically is a little smaller geographically, with fewer people.

“I will continue to represent Hastings and Nininger Township in Dakota County,” he said. “In Washington County, the district includes Denmark Township, the city of Afton and about one-third of Cottage Grove.

“So I’m excited and looking forward to representing the area,” said McNamara. “And I am looking forward to running again.”

The redistricting plan, completed by a special redistricting panel must be redrawn every 10 years after the census.

While McNamara’s House District was largely unaffected, others through the state were impacted.

A total of 46 incumbent office holders could be running against each other in this fall’s general election, while the plan created 23 open spots.

In the Senate 54 (formerly 57), incumbent office holder is Katie Sieben, Democrat, Cottage Grove. She announced last month she will seek re-election. Her challenger in 2010, Karin Housley, now lives in another district.

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