Biography
The Dayton name is a familiar one for many Minnesotans who shopped at the Dayton's Department Store for generations. Mark Brandt Dayton, great-grandson of founder George Draper Dayton, chose a life of public service. After college Dayton taught in New York City public schools for two years and worked as a social worker in Boston for four years. He began his political career working as an aide to United States Senator Walter Mondale and later as an aide to Minnesota Governor Rudy Perpich. Governor Dayton served as commissioner of the Minnesota Departments of Economic Development and of Energy and Economic Development, as state auditor, and as United States senator.
In 2011, Dayton became Minnesota's fortieth governor after defeating the Republican Party of Minnesota nominee Tom Emmer and Independence Party of Minnesota nominee Tom Horner. The results of the 2010 gubernatorial general election showed Dayton holding a majority of votes by a margin of victory of just under 9,000. A recount confirmed Dayton's win and he took office on January 3, 2011.
Gubernatorial biography is courtesy of the Minnesota Historical Society.