Dear Neighbors,


As the fall leaves pass their peak throughout the state, an old year is coming to a close, and a new year is soon upon us. In spite of the lack of snow here in the metro, this is still the most wonderful time of the year as we spend time with family, reunite with friends and enjoy each other's company over community meals. 


It is that time of the year that we see the very best of our neighbors. Many of you will volunteer and give back to a great community that has always been there for you. It is the time of the year that we ring bells for donations, participate in office food shelf drives, give to local toy drives, and serve others  in countless ways.


With Thanksgiving upon us, I want to give thanks for all of your friendship, support and encouragement throughout the years. When the new year starts, I will enter my last legislative session at our magnificent state capitol. I could not have done the important things that matter most to our community without your support each step of the way. I am blessed to have had your insights, wisdom and engagement in helping craft meaningful public policy. 


Along this great journey, I have made many new friends. One of those good friends is Jay Xiong. Over the years, Jay has not only been an active constituent, but a dedicated public servant, having worked as an aide alongside myself and others here at the capitol. Jay has announced that he plans to run for the seat I currently hold. I am proud for all the great work we have done together, and it's important to pass the baton to a new generation of leaders who will take us into the next chapter. I am proud to support my good friend Jay Xiong as he runs for state house here in 67 B. I hope you take an opportunity to meet with Jay to learn more about his values and visions for the East Side. And I wish you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving weekend.


Sincerely,


Sheldon Johnson
State Representative - House District 67B

Longtime East Side state Rep. Sheldon Johnson announces retirement; East Side community activist announces run for seat

State Rep. Sheldon Johnson, the DFLer who represents the East Side neighborhoods of Dayton’s Bluff, Mounds Park, Eastview, Conway, Battle Creek and Highwood Hills in House District 67B, has announced he’s stepping aside at the end of next year.
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“It’s with a heavy heart that I announce I will not be seeking reelection to the legislature in 2018,” Johnson said in a Nov. 16 statement. “It’s been a pleasure for me to represent such an amazing community. I cannot express ...

​– East Side Review/Lilli News.  Marjorie Otto can be reached at 651-748-7816 or at eastside@lillienews.com.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - November 20, 2017
Contact: Samantha Vang
(651) 321-3820
sam@jayforhouse.com

St. Paul, MN – St. Paul progressive organizer and community leader, Jay Xiong, has declared his candidacy for Minnesota State Representative in House District 67B. The seat is held by longtime State Representative Sheldon Johnson who recently announced his retirement.

“Jay Xiong is an experienced nonprofit leader, campaign organizer and legislative staffer. He understands the legislative process and the need for strong progressive leadership. As a seasoned community advocate and successful grassroots political organizer, he knows the value of direct community engagement in the democratic process and will work hard to represent East Siders and all the residents of St. Paul,” said Rep. Johnson who has represented the District 67B for 18 years. “He has the heart and the smarts to do this job. I am proud to be his campaign co-chair and will be even more proud to see him as our next state representative,” continued Rep. Johnson.

Xiong, who lives in the Battle Creek neighborhood with his parents and three younger siblings, was born and raised in St. Paul and attended St. Paul public schools. After high school, he graduated from St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota. He co-founded two organizations aimed at engaging youth and the immigrant communities through voter education, voter engagement, voter registration and election protection campaigns. He ran several successful campaigns for local and state candidates, and served as a legislative staffer for the Minnesota House of Representatives. Xiong will continue to champion policies Rep. Johnson has led for many years in the legislature. He will fight hard to ensure that resident safety and security, education equity, accessible economic opportunities, and social and racial justice continue to be cornerstones for a thriving East Side and a more prosperous Minnesota.

“As a Hmong American kid growing up in St. Paul, it was awesome witnessing Senator Mee Moua’s historic election to the Minnesota State Senate. As a friend and mentor, she has inspired and supported me to pursue a life in public service. Today, I am so honored to have the support of my family, friends, neighbors, colleagues, and heroes as I embark on this journey to continue this commitment to serve and I will work hard to be worthy of the honor to represent the people of our House District 67B,” said Xiong.

“I have worked with Jay as an advisor to my campaign and I have also sought his ideas and input on city issues affecting the East Side community. He has demonstrated the kind of energetic and thoughtful leadership we need at the legislature,” said St. Paul City Council Member Jane Prince, who is also the co-chair for Xiong’s campaign.

Minnesota State Representative Ilhan Omar, who was the first Somali-American Muslim legislator elected to state office in the United States said, “Congratulations to my friend Jay, for his decision to run for a seat in the Minnesota State House of Representatives. More than ever before, we need strong progressive voices like his at the legislature to fight for our community. I know Jay will help ensure everyone gets a fair shake.”

Xiong is proudly endorsed by State Representative Sheldon Johnson (67B), St. Paul City Council Member Jane Prince (Ward 7), St. Paul City Council Member Dai Thao (Ward 1), Ramsey County Commissioner Jim McDonough (D6), State Representative Ilhan Omar (60B), former State Senator Mee Moua, State Representative Fue Lee (59A), State Representative John Lesch (66B), State Representative Rena Moran(65A), newly elected St. Paul School Board Member Marny Xiong, Roy Magnuson, Terri Thao , Abdi Nour Barkat, Pa Chua Vang, Sarah Catherine Walker, Paul Sawyer, Tong C Thao, Mohamed Hadi, Chonburi Lee, Mustafa Jumale, Daniel Yaj, Tiphanie Ph Copeland, Dr. Neal Thao and a growing list of supporters which will be available online in the near future.
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Jay Xiong has declared his candidacy for Minnesota State Representative in St. Paul House District 67B, the seat is currently held by nine-term State Rep. Sheldon Johnson, who recently announced his retirement.

Johnson is co-chair of the Xiong campaign. He called Xiong an experienced nonprofit leader, campaign organizer and legislative staffer who understands the legislative process and the need for strong progressive leadership.

“As a seasoned community advocate and successful grassroots political organizer...

​St. Paul, Minn. (Nov. 19, 2017) — Asian American Press
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