Longtime Brooklyn Park State Rep. Mike Nelson Announces He Won’t Seek Re-Election

State Rep. Michael Nelson (DFL-Brooklyn Park) announced Thursday that he plans to retire and not seek re-election.

Nelson represents Minnesota District 38A, which includes Brooklyn Park and part of Osseo. He’s served in the state House of Representatives since 2002.

Over the years Nelson has focused on labor issues and is current chair of the House Labor Committee. He has also chaired other committees, including the Government Operations Committee and the State Government Finance and Elections Committee.

Rep. Nelson, pictured here, has served Brooklyn Park as a representative for 22 years.

In a statement, Nelson said serving as a representative was the “greatest honor” of his life, but said “the time has come to pass the torch.”

“After years of shared dreams and weathered storms, we passed historic legislation last session, and I am filled with gratitude for the progress we made for Minnesotans. I want to extend a sincere thank you to my community for trusting me with this honor for over two decades. I am incredibly proud to call Brooklyn Park home,” Nelson said in a statement.

Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman, also of Brooklyn Park, released a statement thanking Nelson for his 22 years of service.

“From his work in his union through his time in the Minnesota House of Representatives, Rep. Nelson has always put working people first and fought to ensure workers had a chance to succeed and build better lives for themselves and their families. We will miss having a carpenter in the caucus,” Hortman said.

Nelson will step down from his position after the legislative biennium wraps up in May.

Brooklyn Park | Osseo