Hi John,
Nearly 50 years ago, I was a senior in high school preparing to attend Marquette University to study psychology. Then I got pregnant and my world turned upside down. I raised my daughter with the help of weekend jobs and welfare assistance, attended nursing school, then law school, then became a prosecutor, deputy city attorney, and finally a district court judge until I retired in 2021 to run for Hennepin County Attorney.
I got into this race 9 months ago with one major goal: reforming the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office so that it keeps people in my neighborhood and across Hennepin County safer. Back then, it was an uphill battle to get recognition. I was in the race with several candidates who had the backing of political parties or political establishments. But my nonpartisan message resonated, and I made it through a very contested primary with far fewer funds than the third place finisher.
The three months since August have been a whirlwind of positive interactions. We have built a truly broad coalition that includes 31 Hennepin County mayors representing 81% of Hennepin County residents, 6 out of 8 labor unions, the Star Tribune (twice!) and the Congressman representing over half of Hennepin County, Dean Phillips. Last week, 5 prominent former public defenders who worked with my opponent wrote a strong op-ed in support of my campaign.
Most of all, I am proud that I have been honest, forthright and straightforward about my positions. Friend, I know we won’t always agree on everything, but you will always get my honest opinion.
I will be so proud to make history as the first Black County Attorney in the 164 year history of the state of Minnesota. But with out-of-state billionaire funded groups spending hundreds of thousands of dollars to defeat me, I need you to step up even more. Please do any of these that you are able to today. It will make a huge difference. We need to show our grassroots support to the thousands of voters who are still undecided or don't know about the race! If each of us influences 20 voters then I will be the next county attorney.
1. Wear your Martha pin to work if you have one
2. Take your lawn sign out and wave it on a busy corner for an hour
3. Text 20 of your friends to vote for me
4. Forward this email to 20 Hennepin County contacts
5. Share a post on social media about supporting me
6. Change your profile or cover photo to one of the I'm With Martha photos on our Facebook
Thank you so much for your support that has taken us this far. As long as we finish strong, I will restore safety and rebuild trust as the next Hennepin County Attorney. Please help me get across the finish line!
With gratitude,
Martha Holton Dimick
