Hennepin County Sheriff David Hutchinson says he won't seek re-election

Hennepin County Sheriff David Hutchinson announced Wednesday that he won't seek re-election for the office in November.

Hutchinson crashed his county-issued SUV in December after drinking at a sheriff's conference in Alexandria, Minn. He pleaded guilty to fourth-degree misdemeanor drunken-driving charges and was sentenced to two years' probation.

Since that night, most Hennepin County commissioners, Gov. Tim Walz and other elected leaders have called for his resignation. Hutchinson said initially that he had no plans to step down, and he reiterated Wednesday that position hasn't changed.

But in a statement, the sheriff said: "After spending time over the past month having discussions with family, friends and supporters, I have made the difficult decision to not seek re-election for Hennepin County sheriff in the 2022 election. Early this morning I informed my staff of my decision to not seek re-election."

He declined to comment further. It's unclear what he plans to do after his term expires in January. Before becoming sheriff, Hutchinson was a sergeant with Metro Transit police.

Hutchinson, 41, took office in 2019 after narrowly defeating longtime incumbent Rich Stanek, who recently announced that he will seek the Republican nomination for governor. The sheriff is paid $188,775 annually to oversee a department of 800 employees with an annual budget of $127 million.

Hennepin County Commissioners Angela Conley and Chris LaTondresse, who called for Hutchinson's resignation, declined to comment Wednesday. Conley previously tweeted that she wanted Hutchinson to resign immediately to "allow room for a leader who can do this work in a healthy place."

The Hennepin County Board cannot fire the sheriff and has no authority over the Sheriff's Office beyond approving its budget.

"I will not be resigning as sheriff and will finish serving out my term in office," Hutchinson said in his statement. "I refuse to be pushed out of my role as sheriff by political figures with alternative motives which would likely come at the cost of the safety and security of the residents of Hennepin County."

Walz and legislative leaders were asked during a forum Wednesday whether Hutchinson's plan not to run again was sufficient or whether he should resign.

"I do think a transition would probably be best. … I think having any distraction is, probably, not that healthy. That's my personal opinion," Walz said. He added, "The Hennepin County Sheriff's Office is strong. They will figure this out."

House Majority Leader Ryan Winkler, DFL-Golden Valley, who is running for Hennepin County attorney, said Hutchinson's resignation would force the County Board to replace him before the election and potentially benefit one of the candidates.

Commissioner Jeff Lunde, who also asked Hutchinson to resign, said he appreciated the sheriff's decision not to seek re-election.

"We face real public safety challenges in our county, which will only be solved by working together and focusing on solutions," Lunde said. "With this announcement, we have clarity on the future and we can focus on the real work necessary to restore confidence and trust in our system of justice and safety."

Michelle Gross, president of Communities United Against Police Brutality, said that Hutchinson's announcement "is clearly a good decision on his part."

"He has some personal issues he needs to work through," she said. "That said, he should resign now."

Hutchinson is being investigated by the Minnesota Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training, which oversees officer licensing and potential disciplinary actions. State law requires the board, on which he served for several years, to look into the circumstances surrounding his drunken-driving conviction after the crash.

According to the State Patrol, Hutchinson was drunk, driving more than 126 miles per hour, unbelted and carrying a loaded gun when he crashed his SUV on Interstate 94 near Alexandria about 2:30 a.m. on Dec. 8.

The sheriff's blood alcohol content was more than 0.13% roughly three hours after the crash; the state legal limit is 0.08%, but drops to 0.04% for anyone driving and possessing a firearm.

Hutchinson, who initially told troopers at the scene that he hadn't been driving the SUV, suffered a head injury and broken ribs.

Hutchinson later told the Star Tribune that he had been drinking at the conference and planned to stay the night. When he couldn't sleep, he decided to drive back to the Twin Cities, a trip of about 140 miles.

He initially was charged with four misdemeanor drunken-driving offenses, including carrying a pistol under the influence. That charge is continued for later dismissal.

Hutchinson has entered an outpatient alcohol-dependency program. Shortly after the crash, he said that "getting sober has helped me regain my drive to serve the people of Hennepin County to the best of my ability. I have a lot more to give."

The sheriff has won praise for his work on immigration and jail issues, including offering treatment for opioid addiction to inmates. In his statement Wednesday, he said he was proud of the work the agency had accomplished during his time as sheriff.

"Every single day in office I have been amazed at the care, dedication and thoughtfulness our employees put into their work for the residents of Hennepin County," he said. "I believe in the work that our employees continue to do for the community and they will have my unwavering support."

He said he will spend the remainder of his term ensuring that county residents get the service they expect from his office.

Two people have already said they will be running for sheriff: Suwana Kirkland, director of Dakota County Community Corrections and president of the Minnesota chapter of the National Black Police Association, and Bloomington police officer Jai Hanson.

Staff writers Rochelle Olson and Jessie Van Berkel contributed to this report.