ELK RIVER (AP) - A freshman Minnesota lawmaker from Elk River says he made "an error in judgment" when he was arrested for DWI in August.

Republican state Rep. Nick Zerwas pleaded guilty to fourth-degree DWI.

Zerwas was arrested driving 80 mph on Interstate 94 in Maple Grove on Aug. 2. A preliminary breath test registered a blood alcohol concentration of 0.12 percent, which is over Minnesota's legal limit of 0.08 percent.

Zerwas says on Thursday his arrest was "a huge mistake" and "very embarrassing."

A judge sentenced Zerwas to 30 days in the workhouse, but stayed 28 days for two years provided Zerwas does not repeat his offense or commit other driving-related offenses. For his remaining two days he received a "sentence to serve" and performed 16 hours of community service.

Zerwas faces DFL candidate Brenden Ellingboe on Tuesday, but his Sherburne County district is heavily Republican.

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