Despite mounting criticism following a guilty plea for driving while under the influence, Hennepin County Sheriff Dave Hutchinson announced that he would serve out his term but won’t seek reelection in November.
“After spending time over the past month having discussions with my family, friends, and supporters, I have made the difficult decision to not seek re-election for Hennepin County Sheriff in the 2022 election,'' Hutchinson said in a statement provided by WCCO political analyst Blois Olson.
Hutchinson, 41, made his intention to finish his current term as the Hennepin County Sheriff clear, even with a mounting call for him to resign.
Hutchinson first took office in 2019 after being elected in 2018 as the county’s 28th sheriff. He has served for the last four years, and this will now be his last.
Earlier this year, Hutchinson admitted to driving drunk after a big crash leaving a conference outside Alexandria. A urine sample taken around three hours after his crash showed his blood-alcohol content of 0.13.
Pictures of Hutchinson’s vehicle have since gone viral and showed how serious the crash was. Investigators stated that he was driving impaired at speeds of around 120 miles per hour before the wreck.
Hutchinson was sentenced to two years probation and fined $610 for the offense.
While he initially said he would leave the decision to voters, he has now decided to remove his name from the ballot himself.
"I will spend the remainder of my term ensuring that the residents of Hennepin County Continue to get the service they expect form our office," Hutchinson said.
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