Dayton Commissioner Up For Appeals Court Seat

ST. PAUL (AP) - A member of Gov. Mark Dayton's cabinet is in the running to become a judge.

Minnesota's Commission on Judicial Selection announced Wednesday that Department of Human Services Commissioner Lucinda Jesson was one of four candidates to fill two open spots on the Court of Appeals. Candidates have to apply for those vacancies.

Jesson is a former deputy county attorney who has led the Department of Human Services since Dayton took office in 2011. She told department staff in a Wednesday email that it was the right time to pursue her interest in being a judge.

Two district court judges and an attorney for the University of Minnesota are also up for the seats. Dayton's selections will replace a retiring judge and Justice Natalie Hudson, who recently joined the Supreme Court.