Former House speaker Daudt announces resignation

Rep. Kurt Daudt (R-Crown), who served as Speaker of the House from 2015 to 2019, announced Wednesday he will resign his District 27B seat effective Feb. 11, one day before the 2024 session begins.

Daudt, who represents portions of several counties in east-central Minnesota including the city of Princeton, said in a statement that serving the people of Minnesota “has been the greatest honor of my life” and thanked his friends and neighbors for their trust in him during his time at the Legislature.

“I’ve been fortunate to play a role in enacting historic tax cuts, game-changing education reforms and school choice initiatives, making historical investments in our roads and bridges, and advancing pro-life and pro-Second Amendment legislation,” he said. “I was proud to lead Republican Majorities from 2015-2019 that advanced dozens of conservative priorities, and am forever grateful to my current and former colleagues for their friendship and service.”

First elected in 2010, Daudt served on a number of committees during his time in the House, and in several caucus leadership positions, including minority and majority leader. He is currently a member of the House Commerce Finance and Policy Committee.

The release announcing Daudt’s departure cited welfare reform, fiscal responsibility, expansion of school choice, pro-life and pro-gun legislation and streamlining the permitting process among his legislative accomplishments.

Details on a special election to fill Daudt’s seat are to be determined.