Ramsey, MINN.– Representative Abigail Whelan, R-Ramsey, announced that she will not seek re-election for the Minnesota House of Representatives in 2018. Whelan, who represents District 35A, is currently serving her second term.
She released the following statement regarding her decision:
In the spirit of the season of Thanksgiving, I want to say thank you to all of my constituents –thank you for entrusting me with the responsibility of representing our community in St. Paul. It is a blessing and a privilege, and I am humbled by all the support I have received over the last few years.
This is an amazing district. Indeed, I serve with overwhelming pride for our community, and deep gratitude. I walk the streets and run errands asking God to bring blessing and increase to families and businesses here. And I serve in St. Paul with a desire to bring the values of our community to the forefront.
As happens, sometimes life brings unexpected curveballs, and life brought me a fiancé from England. We have talked and prayed a long time about whether I should run for office again, and it is with some heaviness of what I am leaving behind, but also joy at what lie ahead, that I am saying goodbye for a season. I don't know what the future holds, but I will not be seeking re-election in 2018.
Please know I will continue to serve with integrity and pride for our community during the 2018 session. I will continue to stand for the things I believe this community stands for including helping people remove the stranglehold of government regulation so they and their businesses can prosper, improving road conditions, and protecting life. It may sound cliché, but I think we can return to the vision our Founding Fathers had for this country: A place where life is valued, liberty is protected, and where we all have the freedom to pursue happiness - but it means working together to put people ahead of politics.
That has always been and remains my goal. I am still working on legislation with colleagues that I believe will make Minnesota a better place to live and raise a family, and I look forward to the opportunity to carry some of that legislation during the 2018 session. Indeed, I think we have a great opportunity to make real change for Minnesota in the realm of human trafficking, property tax reform, and more. I will continue to advocate for the people and priorities of our community.
Thank you all again for your support over the years, from the bottom of my heart. God bless you all. It is a privilege to represent you.