Former Hormel Foods CEO, and Albert Lea Attorney joins Minnesota congressional race

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — The race to succeed the late U.S. Rep. Jim Hagedorn grew as a former CEO of Hormel Foods announced he’s running as a Democrat and an Albert Lea attorney joined the GOP field. Jeff Ettinger served as CEO of Hormel from 2005 until 2016, a time of major growth for the Austin-based food company best known for its meat brands. Also filing Thursday was Matt Benda, an agricultural law attorney from Albert Lea. Hagedorn died of kidney cancer two weeks ago. Gov, Tim Walz has called a special primary for May 24, followed by a special election Aug. 9.