By Charlie Mahler
The Northfield City Council will have at least two new faces after elections in November. Councilors Jessica Peterson White and Davin Sokup announced over the weekend that they will not seek re-election.
Peterson White will end a 14-year stint on the council representing Ward 4. At-large councilor Sokup is serving the final year of the term he earned in 2022.
In her social media announcement, Peterson-White cited the need for taking her life in a different direction.
“ … there are times in life when one needs to make space for something new, even if that means stepping away from something we value immensely. I look forward to seeing new leadership step up for Northfield,” she wrote.
Sokup, who was the first transgender man to be elected to office in greater Minnesota, said there were other things he needed to prioritize in life that prompted his decision not to run for re-Election.
“I have doubts about whether or not I can be as committed as I want to be to a role that deserves a great level of engagement and advocacy,” he said.
Mayor Erica Zweifel praised both of the City Councilors for their service.
‘Councillors Peterson White and Sokup are dedicated, proactive and thoughtful members of the council. Councilor Peterson White’s years of service are impressive and her work on equity, economic development, youth leadership and accessibility have led to multiple improvements and policies. Councilor Sokup is a champion for fiscal stewardship and housing, he currently chairs the City’s Housing and Redevelopment Authority. I appreciate the timing of their announcements allowing anyone who is thinking about running for city council to explore this type of service to the community.’
Three city council seats are up for election this year. In addition to Peterson White and Sokup’s seats, the Ward 1 position currently held by Kathleen Holmes is on the ballot in November.
Charlie Mahler is a senior reporter with KYMN News. Contact him at charlie@kymnradio.net
