A Northfield farmer hopes to add a rare rural voice to the Minnesota Senate’s DFL caucus

NORTHFIELD, Minn. — Mark Legvold believes he can help the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party rediscover its agricultural roots.

Or, in the Senate District 58 candidate’s words, put the “F back in DFL.” He said this at his family farm in rural Northfield, in between greasing and changing oil on a John Deere combine.

Harvest prep comes around this time each year. The difference this season is he hopes for strong yields in his fields and at ballot boxes.

His campaign strategy is centered around connecting with district residents who’ve felt unheard by his party, like fellow farmers. Legvold has “gravel road Wednesdays” on his weekly schedule.

“I think they’re looking for people that listen to them,” he said. “And for a while, the Democratic Party didn’t seem to be listening to them. That’s why building relationships is a whole lot more important to me than a party.&r...