The day after filings closed to seek a legislative seat, Rep. Denny McNamara (R-Hastings) announced he is not seeking re-election.
In a statement, McNamara said he wants to spend more time with his wife, children and grandchildren.
“The people of District 54B have been so good to me, and I encourage them to keep in touch,” McNamara said. “Though I’m not running for re-election, I will continue my legislative service until a new state representative takes over in January. Again, my thanks to everyone who has contacted me and supported me over the past fourteen years.”
Since his election in 2002, McNamara has probably been best known for his involvement on environmental issues. He currently chairs the House Environment and Natural Resources Policy and Finance Committee, a committee whose jurisdiction he also oversaw in the 2011-12 biennium.
McNamara also now serves on the House Mining and Outdoor Recreation Policy, House Transportation Policy and Finance, and House Ways and Means committees.
Competing for the open seat in November are Republican Tony Jurgens and DFLer Don Slaten, who lost to McNamara in 2014.