A longtime Manchester farmer captured the DFL endorsement for District 27A representative Sunday in Austin.

Terry Gjersvik, 57, defeated fellow Democrat Thomas Martinez for the nomination. DFLer Colin Minehart dropped out of the race the day of the nomination.

“I am so excited to receive this endorsement so I can begin door-knocking and listening to the concerns of all the people of 27A,” Gjersvik said in a press release. “I can’t wait to connect with voters and ask, ‘What is important to you?’ How can our government work better for us? What are your goals, hopes and dreams for your family, friends and community?”

Gjersvik said the most important issue in the state is children in poverty.

On health care, Gjersvik said the major issue is double-digit health insurance premium increases over the last 10 years.

There are 1 million Minnesotans who have health insurance but are functionally uninsured because of high deductibles, he said.

Gjersvik said he discussed child care issues with Sue Loch, executive director of The Children’s Center, who said the center is licensed for 205 children and would need to add 286 children to solve the community’s child care shortage.

Gjersvik said Loch told him overregulation is making it more difficult for child care providers to operate.

He committed to learning more about the local need for market-rate housing and supporting organized labor.

“I can’t speak to housing yet, but I will,” he said.

Gjersvik said he wants stronger partnerships between high schools and manufacturers, adding the region has a “real strong history” in advanced manufacturing and food manufacturing.

He said the state needs to help existing businesses expand in their communities to see economic growth.

Gjersvik worked for 15 years in the ag software industry before returning to school and becoming a special education teacher. He taught at Albert Lea High School for nine years and was District 241 Teacher of the Year in 2012. He now teaches in Waseca.

“As a teacher, I have seen firsthand how the loss of economic opportunity in our district has hurt the most vulnerable members of our community: the children of families struggling to make ends meet,” Gjersvik said. “The middle class is shrinking, and I’ll work tirelessly to reverse that trend.”

Gjersvik cited his business background as evidence he knows how important it is to bring skilled workers to the area.

“As a teacher and union member, I know how important it is to pay a living wage and to honor the dignity of work with fair pay and benefits,” he said. “As a farmer, I understand the importance of protecting the environment so we have clean air, clean water and healthy soils for our children and grandchildren.”

He will face off against incumbent District 27A Rep. Peggy Bennett, R-Albert Lea, in the November election.

Minehart said he dropped out the race because his business has expanded, and he did not have enough time to focus on the campaign.

“Way too much pressure for my family,” he said.

Minehart said he plans to support Gjersvik’s candidacy and expects to continue to be involved in the community.

“I’m not going away,” he said.

Martinez congratulated Gjersvik and said he plans to support him in the race.

Gjersvik committed to not running a negative campaign and cited his experience in private and public sectors and “broad knowledge,” of agriculture, education and business sectors. He was on a patients’ advisory council for 12 years at the Albert Lea hospital.