Senator Dahms not seeking re-election in 2026

Minnesota State Senator Gary Dahms (R – Redwood Falls) will not seek re-election in 2026.

“When I first ran for the Minnesota Senate, I said that when I was elected, I would serve 10 years. This year will be my 16th year. After careful consideration and discussion with my family, I’ve decided not to seek reelection when my term ends in 2026. I believe it’s time to give others the opportunity to serve in the Senate. Representing the people of Senate District 15, southwest Minnesota, and the entire state has been an honor,” said Senator Dahms.

Dahms was elected to the Minnesota Senate in 2010 and was reelected four times. He has served in the Senate majority for eight of those years. Prior to becoming a senator, Dahms served as a Redwood County Commissioner.

Senate Leadership roles for Dahms include:

  • Chair, Co-Chair, and Minority Lead of the Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Finance and Policy Committee.
  • Vice-Chair of the Senate Agriculture and Rural Economies Committee.
  • Vice-Chair of the Senate Education Finance Committee.
  • Served on both the Majority and Minority of the Minnesota Senate Republican Caucus leadership team.
  • Chair of the caucus’s Personnel Committee.

Some of Dahms’s legislative achievements include:

  • Authoring a bill for a statewide reinsurance program that has significantly decreased health insurance costs for Minnesota and has become a model for other states.
  • Increasing funding for Minnesota’s rural nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and homes for the disabled.
  • Securing bonding funds for wastewater infrastructure in several of Minnesota’s small rural communities.
  • Helping establish an agricultural education degree program at Southwest Minnesota State University (SMSU).
  • Strong supporter of education and childcare.

“As a senator, I have focused on finding practical solutions to the problems facing Minnesota families, businesses, and local government units. It has been an honor and a pleasure to represent our shared values. In my final legislative session, I will fight for the commonsense policies that Minnesotans deserve and expect from their government,” concluded Senator Dahms.