Lyndon Carlson, Minnesota’s longest-serving legislator, won't seek re-election

By Jonathan Mohr

Rep. Lyndon Carlson, Sr., pictured speaking on the House Floor in 2019, is the longest-serving legislator in state history. Carlson announced Wednesday he will not seek re-election in 2020. Photo by Andrew VonBank

After nearly 50 years in the Legislature, Rep. Lyndon Carlson (DFL-Crystal) has announced he will retire from the House of Representatives when his current term ends in January 2021.

Carlson, now in his 24^th term, is the longest-serving legislator in state history. First elected in 1972, he said the decision to not seek reelection in 2020 was made after much thought and conversation with his wife, Carole.

“The past 47 years have been exceptionally fulfilling,” Carlson said in a statement. “I have had the opportunity to be part of many important and lasting legislative accomplishments for the people of Minnesota.”

Carlson currently chairs the powerful House Ways and Means Committee and said he intends to be an “active participant” in the 2020 session, which begins Feb. 11. He added that he would maintain his commitment to the residents of his district, 45A, and the people of Minnesota until his replacement takes office in 2021.

Page:

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10

Recent Dailies

Week in Review: May 13-17

By HPIS Staff

A look back at what happened in the Minnesota House of Representatives the week of May 13-17.
May 17, 2019

With clock ticking down and no budget deal, a special session starts to look more likely

By Mike Cook

Per the state constitution, the Legislature must wrap up its work by May 20 this year; however, as that time gets closer, it appears a special session will be needed.
May 17, 2019

Lawmakers, governor quiet as budget negotiations continue — and deadline draws near

By HPIS Staff

Gov. Tim Walz and legislative leaders have been tight-lipped Thursday as they again gathered in the State Capitol in an effort to hammer out a two-year budget deal.
May 16, 2019

Where will the Legacy money go? Conference committee starts talking

By Rob Hubbard

How much money is the easy part. Where to put it is up for debate. Unlike the proposed General Fund appropriations discussed by the governor and legislative leaders, the con...
May 16, 2019

State disaster contingency account: Five years of eliminating emergency special sessions

By Tim Walker

Springtime often brings flooding to Minnesota — and that used to mean calling legislators back to St. Paul for emergency special sessions to appropriate disaster-relief funds. Then state lawmakers changed the law.
May 15, 2019

Pharmacy benefit manager oversight agreement approved in conference committee

By Victoria Cooney

A conference committee focused on improving the oversight of pharmacy benefit managers finished its work Wednesday.
May 15, 2019

House OKs two-person crew requirement on state’s railways

By Jonathan Avise

Some rail carriers in Minnesota would be required to have a crew of at least two people, under a bill passed Wednesday by the House.
May 15, 2019

Agriculture policy set to finish first as conferees reach agreement

By Erin Martin

The omnibus agriculture policy bill is the first omnibus bill to be wrapped up by its conference committee.
May 15, 2019

Lawmakers may burn the midnight oil as budget talks continue

By Rachel Kats

As time continues to run out on the 2019 legislative session, House and Senate leaders and Gov. Tim Walz dedicated the better part of an afternoon Tuesday to ongoing budget target negotiations.
May 14, 2019