Douglas County Commission candidate Leslie Soden is now working as an agent for the Farmers Insurance office of fellow candidate John Magnuson.

Both candidates are seeking the Democratic Party nomination for the 1st District County Commission seat, which represents most Lawrence neighborhoods north of 19th Street and west of Massachusetts Street. Patrick Kelly, director of the Lawrence College & Career Center, is also in the race.

Soden said she received her state license to be an insurance agent Aug. 1. She has shut down her pet-sitting business and started working for Magnuson from her home.

Magnuson said he learned of Soden’s interest in becoming an insurance agent last month when they jointly attended a campaign event, and he thought she could be a good fit for the agency he opened in May.

“It seemed like something she would be good at,” he said. “She has a lot of connections in the community. It seemed like it would be a pretty good fit. It worked out for both of us. We don’t really talk about the campaign. It’s good to keep the campaign and the office separate.”