A northern Minnesota DFL chair who's accused of hitting and killing a 19-year-old man with her vehicle does not plan to resign.

Cyndy Martin, 65, of Grand Rapids, pleaded not guilty in late November to criminal vehicular homicide in the July 2024 death of John Haithcock.

Martin is an influential Democratic party official from the Iron Range. She serves as chair of the 8th Congressional District for the Minnesota DFL and vice chair of the Itasca County DFL.

Authorities believe Martin hit Haithcock with her SUV as he walked along Highway 169 near Nashwauk late in the evening of July 3, 2024. He was discovered on the road by another driver, who reported it to police, and pronounced dead at the scene.

According to a criminal complaint, Martin called 911 early the following morning to repor

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