ST. PAUL, MN - Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan today announced the appointment of Erin Lindhart Felten and Dwight Luhmann as District Court Judges in Minnesota’s Third Judicial District.

Lindhart Felten will replace the Honorable Joseph F. Chase and will be chambered in Rochester in Olmsted County.

“It is my pleasure to appoint Erin Lindhart Felten to the Olmsted County bench,”said Governor Walz. “Her wealth of judicial experience serving as a referee, combined with her deep understanding of the justice system in the Third Judicial District, will allow her to hit the ground running right away.”

“Referee Lindhart Felten is an excellent choice for this seat,” said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. “She has proven herself to be a highly effective and passionate public servant. Referee Lindhart Felton’s commitment to ensuring that everyone who comes before the court is treated fairly gives me the confidence that she will be a phenomenal judge.”

Luhmann will be replacing the Honorable Mary C. Leahy and will be chambered in Winona in Winona County

“I am excited to appoint Dwight Luhmann to the Winona County bench,” said Governor Walz. “His broad legal background and firm but graceful approach to guiding his clients through challenging moments in their lives will make him an exceptional jurist.”

“I applaud the appointment of Dwight Luhmann,”said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. “He has demonstrated a clear passion and commitment for his community through his private and public service. His knowledge, understanding of, and deep connection to Winona County, in addition to his wide range of practice, will serve the Third Judicial District well.”

Minnesota’s Third Judicial District encompasses Dodge, Fillmore, Freeborn, Houston, Mower, Olmsted, Rice, Steele, Wabasha, Waseca, and Winona counties.

About Erin Lindhart Felten:
Erin Lindhart Felten is a referee in the Third Judicial District and is chambered in Olmsted County. She was previously an attorney at Hoversten, Johnson, Beckmann & Hovey LLP. Lindhart Felten’s community involvement includes serving as a member of the MSBA Family Law Section, Olmsted County Bar Association, Mower County Historical Society, Mower County Agricultural Society, Mower County Humane Society, and Friends of the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center. She also volunteers with the booster program of the Austin Packer basketball and football teams.She received her B.A. from the Luther College and J.D. from the University of Iowa College of Law.

About Dwight Luhmann:
Dwight Luhmann is a solo practitioner and the Preston city attorney, where he practices in the areas of criminal law, family law, estate planning, real estate, probate, and civil litigation. He also serves as the prosecuting attorney for the cities of Rushford and Wykoff. Luhmann previously worked as an attorney for David A. Joerg, P.A. in Preston. His community involvement includes serving as the chair of the Preston Economic Development Authority, the president of the Fillmore County Law Library Board, and the parent attorney representative for the Fillmore County Children’s Justice Initiative. Luhmann is a past board member and president of the Preston Area Community Foundation. He received his B.S. from North Dakota State University and J.D. from University of North Dakota School of Law.

For more information about the judicial selection process, please visit the Governor’s Judicial Appointments webpage.