Former acting US Attorney Anders Folk in running for Hennepin County’s top prosecutor

A former senior Department of Justice official is entering the race for the next Hennepin County attorney.

Anders Folk, Minnesota’s acting U.S. attorney for the first year of Joe Biden’s presidency, announced on Thursday he is campaigning for the position that Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty will leave vacant after next year.

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In a news release, Folk said his campaign will prioritize “restoring public safety” and “bringing back common sense to criminal justice.”

“I’m running for Hennepin County Attorney because our community deserves a prosecutor who understands the purpose and responsibilities of the office,” Folk said. “The current County Attorney has lost sight of the office’s priorities. That loss of focus has hurt public safety and damaged relationships with our community and law enforcement alike. It’s time for a change.”

Folk touted his service in the Marine Corps and nearly a decade as a federal prosecutor as evidence of his leadership and experience.

As acting U.S. attorney, Folk signed the federal indictment against ex-Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, who later pleaded guilty to charges of violating George Floyd’s civil rights.

Folk joins at least three other candidates in the race for Hennepin County attorney: Madel PA partner Matt Pelikan, prosecutor Hao Nguyen and DFL State Rep. Cedrick Frazier of New Hope.

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