Minnesota Sen. Steve Drazkowski Does Not Plan to Seek Re-Election in 2026

St. Paul, MN (KROC-AM News)- A lawmaker who has represented southeast Minnesota at the state legislature for nearly 20 years will not seek reelection. 

See Also: Winter Storm Causes Travel Difficulties, School Disruptions in Southeast Minnesota 

He is the 13th member of the state legislature to announce plans not to seek re-election following the conclusion of the upcoming legislative session, according to the Minnesota Legislative Reference Library.

His office made the announcement regarding his political future in a statement released on Tuesday.

GOP State Sen. Steve Drazkowski Will Not Seek Re-Election Next Year

Sen. Steve Drazkowski announced on Tuesday that he will not seek re-election next year. 

Get our free mobile app

The Mazeppa Republican was first elected to the state legislature during a special election in 2007. Voters re-elected him to the Minnesota House eight times. 

In 2022, Drazkowski won the race for Senate District 20, which includes Wabasha and Goodhue Counties and parts of Olmsted, Winona, and Dakota Counties. 

“Serving the people of southeastern Minnesota in the House of Representatives and Senate has been a great honor,” Sen. Drazkowski said in part in a statement announcing his decision not to seek re-election. 

During his time in St. Paul, Drazkowski served on multiple committees that dealt with agriculture, taxes, transportation, education, natural resources and more. 

His final term in the state legislature will wrap up next month. 

“I am thankful for the trust placed in me by my constituents, for the collaboration of many colleagues and staff over the years, and for the opportunity to help better our state,” Sen. Drazkowski said.