Senator Jeff Howe (R-Rockville) today announced that he will not seek reelection in 2026.  

“After careful consideration and thoughtful conversations with my family, I have decided not to seek re-election to the Minnesota Senate in 2026. It has truly been an honor and privilege to serve.

“Serving the people of District 13 has been a deeply rewarding journey that has been the most educational experience of my life. Over the past 13 years, from the Minnesota House of Representatives (2013–2018) to the Senate (2018–today), I have been honored to represent a community I deeply respect. The most meaningful part of this work has always been listening to constituents and carrying their voices into the Legislature.

“My service as a veteran and first responder led me to the Legislature, and a desire to make a difference soon expanded my focus to many other priorities. My time in office has allowed me to work on many important issues—from public safety and veterans’ support to protecting the most vulnerable, strengthening small businesses, and making Minnesota affordable. These are just a few of the areas where I’ve tried to make a difference, and I remain committed to the work that still needs to be done.

“As I enter my final year, my priorities remain the same: keeping Minnesotans safe, protecting our most vulnerable, supporting first responders and veterans, strengthening small businesses, and ensuring Minnesota is affordable and vibrant.”

First elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives in 2012, Howe served 3 terms before being elected to the Minnesota Senate in 2018, where he has been serving since.

While in the House, Howe served on a wide array of committees: Civil Law, Early Childhood and Youth Development Policy, State Government and Veterans, Transportation, Capital Investment, Public Safety, and Job Growth and Energy Affordability.

During his tenure in the Senate, he served on Environment Policy and Legacy Finance, Taxes, State Government, Commerce, Local Government, Veterans Military Affairs, Transportation, Finance, and Judiciary and Public Safety.

While in the legislature, Howe chief authored many hallmark bills that were signed into law:

• Creation of the Hometown Heroes Act – a critical program that addresses the alarmingly high incidence of cancer, cardiac issues, and emotional trauma facing firefighters across the state and establishes “Critical Care” grants for all Minnesota firefighters diagnosed with cardiac issues
• Authorizing the use of roadside signs to direct drivers to life-saving automatic external defibrillator (AEDs) devices
• Designation of multiple segments on Trunk Highway 23 – “Officer Tom Decker Memorial Highway” and “Medal of Honor Recipient Kenneth L. Olson Highway”
• Reenlistment bonuses for National Guard members
• Continued education benefits to surviving spouses of veterans, regardless if they remarry or not
• Expansion of access to state-sponsored life insurance program for National Guard members
• Critical updates to window glazing for those with medical needs
• Prohibition of dangerous flame retardant chemicals from being used in children’s items
• Increased safety standards for high-voltage transmission line construction

Prior to his years in the Legislature, he served constituents on the Rockville City Council. Outside of politics, Howe spent 27 years in the fire service, serving on three departments in various positions including firefighter, fire marshal, fire and emergency management coordinator, and fire chief, before retiring in 2011.

Howe also proudly served his country in the military. He began his military career in the United States Navy as an avionics technician aboard the U.S.S. Kitty Hawk. Over the course of his career, Senator Howe was deployed to Iran during the Iranian Hostage Crisis and served two decorated tours in Iraq. In 2017, after 38 years of service, Senator Howe retired from the Minnesota Army National Guard as a lieutenant colonel and deputy commander of the 175th Regiment Regional Training Institute.

“Serving in the Senate has been deeply rewarding, but it is time to give new voices the opportunity to represent our district. I have always believed that society would be better if more citizens had the opportunity to serve in elected office as they would have a better understanding of how government works and how to influence it.”

To my constituents, supporters, colleagues, and most importantly, my family who has stood by me through every challenge—thank you. After the 2026 session, I look forward to spending more time with my wife, our children, and our grandchildren while continuing to serve my community in new ways.”