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A 1st Congressional District candidate who planned to run as an independent is now running as a Democrat.

Johnny Akzam, of Rochester, initially filed to run as an independent. But the website developer said he has decided to seek the DFL endorsement.

I had a lot of support from DFLers asking me to run as a DFLer, he said.

Akzam, who supported 2016 presidential candidate Bernie Sanders, initially decided against running as a Democrat because he was concerned about how Sanders was treated by the Democratic National Committee. But he said it appears to be a much fairer process at the congressional level.

Theres been no shortage of interest in the seat since 1st District DFL Rep. Tim Walz announced in March he wouldnt seek re-election. He is running for governor in 2018.

Akzam is one of three Democrats seeking the partys endorsement for the seat. Others who have announced are former Sen. Vicki Jensen of Owatonna and electronic pull-tabs salesman Colin Minehart of Albert Lea. Byron High School teacher John Austinson is expected to announce his bid for the seat on Wednesday. Two other Democrats, Dan Feehan and Joe Sullivan, both of Mankato, are also considering running for the seat.

So far only one Republican has officially entered the race Blue Earth Republican Jim Hagedorn. He narrowly lost to Walz in November. Plenty of other Republicans are mulling bids, including state Olmsted County Republican Party Chairman Aaron Miller, Rochester Sen. Carla Nelson, Rochester Rep. Nels Pierson and Luverne Rep. Joe Schomacker.

Asked if he plans to abide by the DFLs endorsement process, Akzam said, If I feel like the process is fair, then I will respect the endorsement.

Reach Regional Managing Editor Suzanne Rook at 507-333-3134. Follow her on Twitter @rooksuzy

Link:
Congressional candidate switches from independent to Democrat - Southernminn.com