ST. PAUL – State Representative Rod Hamilton (R-Mountain Lake) announced today that he will not seek re-election to the Minnesota House of Representatives this November.
Hamilton represents Minnesota House District 22B, which consists of all or parts of Cottonwood, Nobles, Redwood, and Jackson counties.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the people of District 22B for placing your trust in me to represent you in St. Paul,” Hamilton said. “This has truly been an honor of a lifetime. Thank you to all the people who worked so hard to get me elected and a sincere thank you to the candidates who ran against me, as your challenge made me a better person and a better legislator. I struggle to find the words to express my gratitude towards all the wonderful people I worked with in St. Paul.”
First elected in 2004, Hamilton quickly rose through the ranks of the Minnesota House Republican Caucus, becoming Assistant Minority Leader in 2009, and House Majority Whip – the 3rd most powerful position in the Minnesota House – in 2011. He also became known as a leader for agriculture and rural development issues in the State of Minnesota, as he was appointed chair of the Minnesota House Agriculture Finance Committee in 2011-2012, 2015-2016, and 2017-2018.
Among Hamilton’s proudest legislative accomplishments: delivering a four-lane Highway 60 from Bigelow to St. James to improve driver safety in our region, and delivering the Lewis and Clark Rural Water System in order to provide a reliable source of drinking water to southwestern Minnesota’s residents. Hamilton also became a tireless advocate for rural Minnesota by consistently prioritizing funding for our long-term care facilities, as well as funding equity for schools and nursing homes in Greater Minnesota.
Hamilton said he made the decision to not seek re-election after spending time with his family during the holidays and deciding to refocus on what should be prioritized in their lives.
“Eighteen years ago, Lynee and I sat our children down and collectively we decided that I should run for the Minnesota House of Representatives,” Hamilton said. “I still chuckle when I think back to that day. Our son was president of his sixth grade’s student council, and he said, ‘Go for it dad! This will help further my career!’ We decided, as a family, that I should run for election. Having the kids home for the holidays gave us time to reflect, and we decided, as a family, it’s time for me to retire from the Minnesota House of Representatives.”
Hamilton will finish his current term, which concludes at the end of 2022.
“In the political world one thing is very clear - everyone is replaceable. District 22B is filled with smart, dedicated and honest people who will do a stellar job representing us in St. Paul. I’m very optimistic about the future, and hope your future is filled with happiness,” Hamilton concluded.