2 weeks Ago By Peter Passi
DULUTH — District 7B Rep. Natalie Zeleznikar held more than a 500-vote lead over her DFL challenger, retired District Judge Mark Munger, early Wednesday, but votes from Hermantown precincts had not been tallied. In 2022, Zeleznikar narrowly edged out Rep.
Mary Murphy, who served more than 40 years in office. Her margin of victory was just 33 votes. ADVERTISEMENT "It was not easy to defeat a 46-year incumbent, but everything worth fighting for is not easy," Zeleznikar said.
"The people of 3B are worth working hard for, and that I will continue to do every day I serve." Zeleznikar supports term limits and pledged she will serve no more than five terms — 10 years total. Both Munger and Zeleznikar are Fredenberg Township residents.
Zeleznikar is a long-time administrator of nursing homes and assisted-living facilities. She bills herself as a small-business advocate and fiscal conservative. She also said one of her campaign goals is to have all Minnesota students reading at a grade-appropriate level.
Munger served 23 years as a district judge before his retirement in January 2019 . He is also a prolific author, having published 14 books. Earlier in his legal career, Munger served as Proctor’s city attorney.
He earned the rank of Eagle Scout and also served in the U.S. Army Reserve.
Munger has been named to the Denfeld Hall of Fame. Munger said passing a bonding bill with support for Northland projects will be one of his top legislative priorities if he prevails in the tight election. On the campaign trail, he also talked about the need for improved child care, elder care and better health care access.
ADVERTISEMENT District 3B includes Two Harbors and other unorganized territories in Lake County, Proctor, Rice Lake, Hermantown and the following St. Louis County townships: Alden, Ault, Canosia, Duluth, Fairbanks, Fredenberg, Gnesen, Grand Lake, Lakewood, Midway, Normanna, North Star, Pequaywan and Solway..
