MN Republicans Pick New Leaders

Minnesota House of Representatives, Photo Via MN House Media

St. Paul, MN – Minnesota House Republicans announced their new leadership team Wednesday following a sweeping victory by Republicans on Election Day.

In a press release House Speaker Kurt Daudt (R-Crown) and Majority Leader Joyce Peppin (R-Rogers) announced the new members of the House Republican Caucus leadership team.

The House Republican Caucus elected Rep. Ron Kresha (R-Little Falls) as the Majority Caucus Whip for the 2017-18 Legislative Session.  Kresha was recently elected to his third term in the House and serves as the CEO for the Golden Shovel Agency, an economic development marketing firm.  Kresha is tasked with communicating information to other members of a party caucus during floor debates and before members vote.

The House Republican Caucus also chose six Assistant Majority Leaders, including Representative-elect Randy Jessup (R-Shoreview), Representative Dan Fabian (R-Roseau), Representative Jim Nash (R-Waconia), Representative Marion O’Neill (R-Maple Lake), and Representative Roz Peterson (R-Lakeville).

Rep. Jessup was recently elected to his first term and owns four UPS stores in the Twin Cities. Rep. Fabian is beginning his fourth term and lists his occupation as “legislator.” Rep. Jim Nash won in a landslide reelection and runs his own small business as a partner in a technology analyst firm. Rep. O’Neill is entering her third term and owns her own small business in the construction trades, and Rep. Peterson was just re-elected for the first time and is also a business owner.

In addition, Speaker Daudt appointed Representative Kelly Fenton (R-Woodbury) Assistant Majority Leader and Representative Tony Albright (R-Prior Lake) Speaker Pro-Tempore.  Rep. Fenton is entering her second term and is a former educator.  Rep. Albright was elected to serve a third term and is a business owner.  As Speaker Pro Tempore, Representative Albright will oversee and conduct House floor debates when the Speaker is away or unavailable.

Speaker Daudt said he is thrilled with his new leadership team, stating,“Together, we’re ready to pursue an agenda that puts Minnesotans first, and addresses priorities like lowering healthcare costs, growing good-paying jobs, and reducing the tax burden on middle-class families.”

Senate Republicans, who also took the majority after Election Day, have also chosen their new leadership team, electing Senator Paul Gazelka (Nisswa) as the Senate Majority Leader, and Senators Michelle Benson (Ham Lake) and Jeremy Miller (Winona) as Deputy Leaders.

The new leadership teams will hit the ground running at the start of the Legislative Session on Tuesday, January 3rd.