Duluth attorney and advocate Jen McEwen said Tuesday that she will challenge incumbent Erik Simonson for the DFL endorsement in the Minnesota Senate District 7 election.

McEwen is a plaintiff’s attorney at Falsani, Balmer, Peterson & Balmer in Duluth, representing workers with disability claims against insurance companies, and has experience as a public defender. She also serves as board president of the Damiano Center.

“COVID-19 has further exposed the deep social inequities within our communities,” McEwen said in a statement announcing her run. “These times call for bold and courageous leadership. What we do now will not only determine how we come through the pandemic, but will also chart the path for the kind of future that we want for ourselves and for our children.”

McEwen said she will seek the DFL endorsement at a virtual convention, which will begin distributing electronic and mail-in ballots this week and conclude in early May. Simonson has held the seat, which covers much of Duluth, since 2017 and is seeking reelection.

If both candidates opt to continue past the endorsing convention, an Aug. 11 primary election would be held for the DFL nomination. On the Republican side, Donna Bergstrom has announced another run after losing the 2016 general election to Simonson.

McEwen, 42, lives with her husband and two children in a house built by her great-grandparents in Duluth's Morley Heights neighborhood. Without specifically referencing Simonson, she vowed to run on a progressive platform.

“It is no longer sufficient for legislators to say they support the things voters in this district have clearly prioritized,” McEwen said. “We need representatives who will fight for health care for all, secure housing for all, and the rapid clean energy transition we need with integrity and conviction.”