Minnesota state Rep. Paul Torkelson, R-Hanska, said this week he will not be running again in House District 15B.

HANSKA — After nine terms in the Minnesota Legislature, Republican District 15B Rep. Paul Torkelson of Hanska announced Friday that he will not seek re-election to the Minnesota House of Representatives in November.

He will finish his current term that concludes in early January 2027, when a new legislature will be sworn into office.

“It has truly been an honor and a privilege, but after 18 years of being in the political arena I am ready to spend more time with my family. I’m cutting back on my farming,” Torkelson said.

A Hanska farmer, he represents Brown, Redwood and Blue Earth county cities and townships.

“I’d like to thank the citizens of our area for their support over the years and for the opportunity to represent their interests in St. Paul. This is my ninth term in the House. I’ve had a very good run. I’m turning 74 in July, well past normal retirement age.” he said. “It’s hard to leave. I enjoy challenges but I can’t go on forever. I decided its time for other things like spending more time with family and traveling.”

A former Minnesota Farm Bureau vice president, Torkelson said he hopes to be involved with state government on a part-time basis after retirement.

“I’ve been there long enough. I know lots of people. We’ll see what may happen,” he said. “I’d like to thank all my supporters including Gary Dahms, Dennis Frederickson and his wife Marj plus staff for all their work.”

“I was fortunate to have Paul in the same district. He had a way of balancing things. He did a lot of research on bills before he supported them. He was a good sounding board for me,” said Dahms. “We traveled many miles together doing town hall meetings. He’s going to be missed. He was a hard worker. He chaired three committees which is pretty unusual.”

Dahms, who also recently announced he will not seek re-election this year, said he looks forward to working with Torkelson for another year, getting some good things done next legislative session.

Torkelson was first elected in 2008 and rose through the ranks of the Minnesota House Republican caucus. During his tenure, he served as assistant leader and chairman of the Minnesota House Capital Investment, Transportation Finance, and Ways and Means committees.

During his time, he championed many provisions that became law. His top priority became reality in 2022 when he helped secure funding that ultimately helped create four lanes of Highway 14 between New Ulm and Nicollet.

Torkelson said that while having legislation passed into law was satisfying, he most enjoyed behind-the-scenes work that established legislative relationships and helped move important legislation forward.

He carried many themes throughout his time in the Minnesota House, including supporting family values and pro-life initiatives, advocacy for agriculture and for his fellow farmers and concern for the elderly and disadvantaged communities.

“I have truly enjoyed working with all lawmakers, as well as partisan and non-partisan staff,” Torkelson said. “But I have most enjoyed meeting with and working for my constituents and bringing their priorities forward. While I am not seeking re-election, residents should remember that I will continue to represent them until a new state representative is seated in 2027. As always, I encourage residents to contact me with any legislative questions or concerns.”