ST. PAUL – State Representative Denny McNamara (R-Hastings) announced today that he will not seek re-election to the Minnesota House of Representatives this November.
McNamara represents Minnesota House District 54B, which consists of all or parts of the cities of Hastings, Cottage Grove, and Afton, as well as Denmark and Nininger townships.
“It has been such a privilege to serve as state representative for the past fourteen years, but I am ready to spend more time with my wife, children and grandchildren,” McNamara said.
First elected in 2002, McNamara quickly rose through the ranks of the Minnesota House Republican Caucus, becoming Minority Whip during the 2007-08 legislative session. He also became known as an outspoken advocate for protecting Minnesota’s air, land, waterways, and was appointed chairman of the Minnesota House Environment and Natural Resources Finance Committee by Speaker Kurt Zellers in 2011 and by Speaker Kurt Daudt in 2015.
Among McNamara’s proudest accomplishments: the creation of the Vermillion Highlands and Empire Township Wildlife Management Area, which now protects over 3,000 acres of habitat; crafting the budgets of the Department of Natural Resources, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, and the Minnesota Board of Soil and Water Resources during his time as environment finance chairman; and serving as one of five House conferees this past session to create a supplemental budget bill that promoted a number of positive education initiatives and prioritized our veterans by excluding military pensions from the state income tax.
McNamara also thanked fellow lawmakers and partisan and non-partisan staff, especially committee administrator Amy Zipko, for their assistance over the years in helping him create legislation that made Minnesota a better place to work, live, and play. He also thanked area residents for their encouragement during his time in the Minnesota House.
“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.”