Minnesota Rep. Swedzinski Will Not Seek Another Term

Second veteran Republican legislator in the area announces retirement after serving over a decade in the Minnesota House.

Mar. 24, 2026 at 9:51am

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District 15A State Rep. Chris Swedzinski, R-Ghent, announced that he will not be seeking re-election to the Minnesota House of Representatives at the conclusion of his current term. Swedzinski, 47, has served in the Legislature since 2011 and currently co-chairs several key committees. He cited a desire to spend more time with his family and return to a more private life in the announcement.

Why it matters

Swedzinski's retirement marks the second veteran Republican legislator in the area to announce they will not be seeking re-election, following the previous announcement by District 15 Sen. Gary Dahms. This opens up two key seats in the Minnesota Legislature representing west central Minnesota, an area that has historically leaned Republican.

The details

Swedzinski has served in the Minnesota House since 2011, representing District 15A which includes the counties of Lac qui Parle, Lyon, Yellow Medicine, and a portion of Chippewa County. He currently co-chairs the Energy Finance and Policy, Taxes, and Ways and Means committees in the House. In his announcement, Swedzinski stated that 'Serving the people of our district has been the greatest professional honor of my life' but that he is looking forward to 'being home more consistently and focusing on my family, my business and new endeavors'.

  • Swedzinski has served in the Minnesota House since 2011.
  • Swedzinski announced he will not seek re-election at the conclusion of his current term.

The players

Chris Swedzinski

A 47-year-old Republican member of the Minnesota House of Representatives who has represented District 15A since 2011, including serving in various leadership roles such as co-chairing key committees.

Gary Dahms

A Republican member of the Minnesota Senate who has represented District 15 since 2011 and previously announced he will not seek re-election.

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What they’re saying

“Serving the people of our district has been the greatest professional honor of my life. After much prayer and reflection with my family, I have decided that it is time for a new chapter. While my passion for our community and the issues facing rural Minnesota remains as strong as ever, I am looking forward to being home more consistently and focusing on my family, my business and new endeavors.”

— Chris Swedzinski, State Representative

What’s next

Swedzinski will serve out the remainder of his current term in the Minnesota House of Representatives.

The takeaway

Swedzinski's retirement, along with that of his Republican colleague Sen. Gary Dahms, opens up two key seats in the Minnesota Legislature representing the west central region of the state. This could lead to competitive races as both parties vie for control of these districts in the next election cycle.