Race to replace Mary Moriarty will double as referendum on reform in Hennepin County

Mary Moriarty announced she will not seek a second term as Hennepin County attorney, triggering immediate speculation about potential successors. Bob Small, executive director of the Minnesota County Attorney’s Association, reported a surge of inquiries about the position, indicating a significant interest in the upcoming election. Moriarty's tenure has focused on reform-oriented policies, posing a critical test of whether such reforms still resonate with voters in Minnesota's most populous county. State Rep. Cedric Frazier has publicly expressed interest in the role, criticizing former President Trump’s impact on the legal system and advocating for a collaborative approach in the Attorney's Office.

Ryan Winkler, a former candidate for the position, is contemplating his next steps and waiting to see who else enters the race. The political dynamics are evolving, with Frazier's candidacy likely to draw support from Moriarty's backers. This shift raises concerns for some, including Martha Holton Dimick, who believes a coordinated political shift may be occurring. The outcome of this election could influence the direction of criminal justice policy in Hennepin County moving forward.