Sep 27, 2021 - Politics

Former chief public defender running for Hennepin County attorney

mary moriarty

Photo courtesy of Mary Moriarty

Former Hennepin County chief public defender Mary Moriarty is running to be the county's top prosecutor.

What she's saying: Moriarty announced her campaign to succeed retiring County Attorney Mike Freeman on Twitter Monday, calling for "transformational reform in the criminal legal system."

State of play: Expect a crowded race next year. Several other candidates, including House Majority leader Ryan Winkler, are weighing a run.

Background: Moriarty, the first woman to serve as the county's chief public defender, received a $300,000 settlement this year after a clash with leadership resulted in her contract not being renewed.

  • Her public profile rose during the trial of former Minneapolis officer Derek Chauvin, when she provided legal analysis for local and national TV coverage.
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