ST. PAUL — Democratic gubernatorial hopeful Tim Walz has picked a running mate for his 2018 bid.

Walz named state Rep. Peggy Flanagan to his ticket late Thursday night. Flanagan is a second-term lawmaker from St. Louis Park with strong connections to Democratic activists.

It’s the first pick for a potential lieutenant governor before the race for an open governor’s seat heats up.  Flanagan’s selection gives Walz’s candidacy a liberal tilt that he’ll need for an endorsement battle next year among a crowded field of Democrats.

Walz is a six-term congressman from southwestern Minnesota representing a district that leans slightly Republican. He says he’ll rely on Flanagan’s knowledge and expertise.

More than 14 candidates are in the running to replace Gov. Mark Dayton, who will leave office in 2019.

In other political news:

• Democratic First District congressional candidate Dan Feehan of North Mankato, continues his  “Service Saturday” initiative by packing and sorting food at Channel One’s warehouse, the largest food bank in Olmstead County. Last week, he participated in the United Way Day of Caring in Austin.

• Democratic First Congressional District candidate, former state Sen. Vicki Jensen, of Owatonna, has announced endorsements from Sens. Scott Dibble  of Minneapolis and Dan Sparks of Austin.

• State Rep. Nels Pierson of Rochester  endorsed Republican First Congressional District candidate state Sen. Carla Nelson of Rochester.

Austin Daily Herald staff contributed to this report.