Hawley Mayor Announces Run for District 4B in Minnesota House

HAWLEY, Minn. (KFGO) – Hawley Mayor and reserve police Officer Jim Joy announced Wednesday his campaign for state House for the open seat held by retiring DFL Rep. Paul Marquart of Dilworth in House District 4B. Joy will seek the Republican nomination.

Joy has served as Mayor of Hawley for the past six years, is a reserve police officer for the city, and owns and operates a gas and convenience store in Hawley.

“Small towns need big voices down at the Capitol, as a mayor, reserve police officer, and running businesses in small-town Minnesota, I know I’ve got the experience to bring our rural values to Saint Paul and fight for our communities,” Joy said. “Cost of living is way too high, and Minnesotans want to see the massive $7.7 billion surplus returned to them.

We need tax relief including ending the social security tax in Minnesota permanently. With public safety on the minds of many Minnesotans, I’ll also make sure our police and firefighters have what they need to keep us safe.”

Joy grew up in Detroit Lakes, and lives in Hawley with his wife and three children. Before serving as Mayor, Joy was elected to Hawley City Council and served two years.

Marquart was first elected to the legislature in 2000.