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DFLers in Senate District 27 have endorsed incumbent Sen. Dan Sparks for a sixth term in office.

The DFL Party’s state legislative endorsements were decided by party supporters and activists who voted in online conventions from April 25 to May 4.

Sparks, of Austin, said it has been an honor to represent the people of the district, and he has worked hard to bring people together during his time in office.

“Unfortunately now that we’re dealing with this health crisis and economic crisis — now more than ever we need experienced leaders with proven results,” he said.

He said everyone’s lives changed in mid-March and maybe even before that with the coronavirus, and the legislative session has been focused on making sure everyone is as healthy as they can be.

With the pandemic, the state went from having a $1.5 billion surplus earlier this year to now having a $2.42 billion deficit. Sparks said it will take real leadership to make sure the state’s money is spent right in the coming years and to make sure the state has the workforce to come back once the economy reopens.

Sparks will face off against Republican Gene Dornink of Hayfield, who was endorsed by the Republican Party earlier this month.

Sparks said it will be a different campaign season than he has ever experienced with many small-town festivals and parades being canceled. He anticipates messages of candidates mainly being shared through newspapers, television, radio and the internet.

“It’s going to be a whole different election cycle,” he said.

District 27 includes all or portions of Dodge, Faribault, Freeborn, Mower and Steele counties.