Twin Ports DSA sometimes endorses local candidates for office. The endorsements committee creates a screening process that involves both written questions and attending one of our meetings for further questioning. If you would like to screen, plan ahead and give us at least two meeting cycles to do so, one to decide to screen, another to hold the event. Email dsa.duluth@gmail.com if you have interest in screening for our endorsement.
We take our endorsements seriously, prioritizing candidates who proudly support socialist values, have a strong chance of winning, and who we believe will faithfully serve as socialists in office.
Candidates should be familiar with the values and issues that DSA members support.
Previous Endorsements
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David Clanaugh
Duluth City Councilor
David Clanaugh serves as the councilor for Duluth City Council District 4. He is a champion of environmental protections, a rank-and-file union member, and a longtime community organizer.
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Ashley Grimm
St. Louis County Commissioner
Ashley Grimm ran for re-election in 2024 as a DSA endorsed candidate. She won her race decisively and continues to champion housing solutions, youth activities, improvements in our county jails, and more.
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Wendy Durrwachter
Duluth City Councilor
Wendy Durrwachter won her election for the Duluth city council district 1 in 2023. She voted in favor of the ceasefire resolution, and against many of the 2024 “public safety” ordinances that further criminalize homelessness.
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Jenna Yeakle
City Council Candidate
Jenna Yeakle ran for Duluth City Council at-large in 2023. Although she was not elected, her campaign elevated discourse in the city on topics of workers’ rights, environmental protection, housing, and more.
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Miranda Pacheco
City Council Candidate
Miranda ran for Duluth City Council at-large in 2023. As an alcohol and drug counselor, a former addict, and a Native American, she brought many critical viewpoints to the election process. This was her first campaign for political office, and she ran an excellent campaign.
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Jen McEwen
Minnesota State Senator
Jen McEwen received an endorsement from the Twin Ports DSA in 2022. She continues to serve as the Minnesota state senator for the 8th district. She prioritizes union protections, housing solutions, environmental protection, health care reform, and more.
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Azrin Awal
Duluth City Councilor
Azrin won her election for at-large councilor in 2021. Recently, she introduced and voted for the ceasefire resolution, and against many of the 2024 “public safety” ordinances that further criminalize homelessness. She stepped down to pursue other passions in 2025.
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Mike Mayou
Duluth City Councilor
Mike won his election for city council district 2 in 2021. Recently, he voted in favor of the ceasefire resolution, and against many of the 2024 “public safety” ordinances that further criminalize homelessness. He stepped down to prioritize family in 2025.