Melin will not seek re-election to District 6A seat

Rep. Carly Melin (DFL-Hibbing) announced Thursday that she will not seek a fourth term representing District 6A.

First elected in a 2011 special election, Melin has been a tireless advocate for the Iron Range, while also sponsoring important legislation relating to women, medical marijuana and expungement.

Rep. Carly Melin

She currently serves on the House Mining and Outdoor Recreation Policy, Taxes and Capital Investment committees. She was vice-chair of the House judiciary committee and was an assistant majority leader in the 2013-14 biennium when the DFL controlled the House.

“I am proud of my work as a legislator, including increasing investment in Iron Range K-12 schools, securing funding for various infrastructure and community projects across the region, advocating for the less fortunate, and fighting for working and middle class Minnesota families,” she said in a statement. “During my time as Chair of the IRRRB Higher Education Committee we've made important investments in programming for students attending our area community colleges. On a statewide level, I'm especially proud of having authored the Women's Economic Security Act, the Medical Cannabis Therapeutic Research Act, and the Criminal Records Expungement law.”

Acknowledging a passion for serving the public, Melin plans to serve her community in other ways, while spending more time with her family and on her legal career.

“Even as I make this announcement, I know my work--and term--is far from over,” she said. “I look forward to the upcoming legislative session and plan to continue my focus on assisting Iron Range families who have been impacted by recent turmoil in the domestic steel market which in turn has impacted our taconite mining industry.”

In a statement, House Minority Leader Paul Thissen (DFL-Mpls) said the following: "Minnesotans who came to the Capitol in search of an advocate found one in Carly Melin. With an amazing mix of smarts, common sense and compassion, she fought for her constituents and delivered results – for children suffering from seizures who needed medicine, for women who deserve equal pay for equal work, and for Minnesotans seeking a second chance at a good job and life."