Three St. Paul City Council members seeking re-election this fall received the city DFL party's stamp of approval Sunday.
Council Members Rebecca Noecker, Mitra Jalali and Nelsie Yang were all endorsed by DFLers at conventions that immediately followed caucuses Sunday afternoon. The party combined the two processes in wards where an incumbent candidate ran uncontested.
"I'm so proud of the progress we've made in eight years — and I know we have so much more work to do," Noecker told an audience of about 200 in the Humboldt High School auditorium, in a speech asking delegates for support as she seeks a third four-year term representing St. Paul's Second Ward.
Four of the council's seven members are stepping down at the end of the year, spurring open races in the First, Third, Fifth and Seventh wards. DFLers in those parts of the city caucused Sunday and elected delegates for ward conventions in April, when the party's endorsements will be decided.
Election Day is Nov. 7, and elected council members will take office in January 2024.
The DFL's nod has long been a key endorsement in a city that consistently votes blue. Candidates who receive the endorsement also get resources from the party, including volunteer support and coordinated campaigning.
Residents who attended caucuses heard speeches from candidates and had the chance to ask questions of campaigns. Topics ranged from rent control to snow plowing to public safety.
On St. Paul's East Side, blue signs lining the walkway to Hazel Park Preparatory Academy read: "Nelsie Yang for St. Paul City Council Ward 6." Inside the school early Sunday afternoon, music bumped and neighbors chatted over snacks before caucusing.
