Rep. Thissen will not seek re-election
State Rep. Paul Thissen represents a district in southwest Minneapolis.
(KMSP) - Rep. Paul Thissen announced that he will not seek re-election to the Minnesota House of Representatives in 2018 on Wednesday.
Thissen will still run for governor and is currently seeking DFL endorsement in that race.
“It has been an incredible honor to serve my constituents and the people of Minnesota for the past fifteen years,” Representative Thissen said. “Together we experienced some serious challenges including the worst economic downturn in generations from which many Minnesota families have still not fully recovered and we joined together to win some incredible victories for every day Minnesotans. Above all, I had the opportunity over the last fifteen years to meet and learn from the most amazing people all across this state – people who step up every day to make their communities and their state better. We are so blessed to live in a state with so many brilliant, creative, committed people.”
Thissen was elected in 2002. He served as the Minnesota House Speaker from 2013-2014. During that time he and his fellow representatives passed legislation to increase minimum wage. Marriage equality and the Minnesota Dream Act were also passed and free all-day kindergarten was made available statewide.
Thissen was chosen as the leader of the Minnesota House Democrats from 2011-2016. He also served as Chair of the Health and Human Service Committee from 2007-2010.
Several candidates have announced that they intend to run for Thissen’s seat representing District 61B. The official filing period runs from May 22 until June 5.