ST. PAUL – State Representative Tim Kelly (R-Red Wing) announced today that the 2016 legislative session will be his last and that he will not seek re-election to the Minnesota House of Representatives.
"It has truly been an honor to represent the people of House District 21A for the past eight years," Kelly said. "I am choosing to make this announcement now because I believe it is important to give our next candidate a proper amount of time to get established and prepare a campaign."
Having become a grandfather for the first time last year, along with having his youngest son graduating from Red Wing High School this May, Kelly said he is looking forward to spending more time with his family. Kelly said he will also gain more time for his business – Discovery Financial – where he serves as a financial advisor and is co-owner with two partners.
First elected in 2008, Kelly was a strong advocate for taxpayer protection and prioritized, common sense spending within state government. Kelly believes that the best way to improve Minnesota's economy is to put more people to work, and was a consistent supporter of policies that grew jobs within the private sector.
Last session, Kelly became chairman of the Minnesota House Transportation Policy and Finance Committee. Under his leadership, the House approved a comprehensive, long-term funding proposal that would allocate $7 billion for transportation needs over the next ten years without raising taxes. Kelly said he is looking forward to finalizing a compromise transportation proposal with the Senate during the upcoming session.
"It has always been, and will continue to be, a privilege to serve in the Minnesota House," Kelly said. "I would like to thank all of my constituents for their support over the past eight years."
Kelly's Minnesota House tenure will officially end when a new state representative is sworn into office in January.