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Senator Tom Bakk
After serving twenty eight years in the Minnesota House and Senate, Senator Tom Bakk (I) Cook, Minnesota has announced he is retiring at the end of the year.
Bakk made his announcement on Thursday, March 17.
Posted on his Facebook page, Bakk said, “Representing the people of the Arrowhead region has been one of the greatest rewards of my life, made possible by the support and patience of my family. My heartfelt thanks to my constituents for entrusting me to be their voice at the Capitol for so many years. I have always tried to do my best for the people I’ve served even if it was not always easy or popular with my own political party. The friendships and the memories I have made will carry with me forever.”
“Every man and woman should be able to have a good-paying job, so they can provide for their families and every child should have the opportunity for a quality education. Driving around the state, and especially the Arrowhead region, seeing the countless projects, big and small, that I have been able to play a part in over the years is truly gratifying. It is difficult to fully reflect on the enormity of what we have accomplished.”
Senator Thomas Bakk (I-03), proudly displaying his trophy Lake Trout, met with constituent Jaxson Seguin of Proctor. Seguin is a Proctor High School graduate, currently studying at Lake Superior College and managing the Rails baseball team. Jaxson has Asperger’s Syndrome and wanted to discuss the employment of people with disability, and challenges faced by individuals living with a disability who are employed, specifically those in Proctor. Bakk suggested that, with Seguin’s interest in becoming more involved with his community, he consider running for the local school board. Seguin participates in Partners in Policymaking, an advocate training program available for individuals with disabilities and parents of children with disabilities. Photo credit?
“There is still a lot more to be done but it is time for me to pass the torch. I’m certain there are new inspiring leaders waiting in the wings. For 28 years it has been my time to serve but now it is finally my time to retire.”
In a move that alienated many fellow Democrats, in 2020 Senator Bakk and Senator David Tomassoni of Chisholm left the DFL to form an independent caucus. With Republicans in control of the Senate, Senator Bakk said the two Iron Range Legislators were tired of the partisanship that slowed the wheels of government and he felt they could better serve their voters by gaining assignments to chair committees.
Senator Tom Bakk is in his sixth term in the Senate and represents Senate District 3. He is currently the Chair of the Senate Capital Investment Committee. He previously served as Senate Majority Leader (2013-2016) and Senate Minority Leader (2011-2012, 2017-2020). Additionally, he served as Senate Tax Chair from 2007 to 2010 and Senate Rules and Administration Chair from 2013 to 2016. Prior to joining the Senate, he served four terms in the Minnesota House of Representatives.
“Laura and I are looking forward to the next chapter of our lives. It’s with excitement that we journey into the future of more soccer, basketball, baseball, volleyball, football, and hockey, enjoying more time to help and watch our grandchildren learn and grow.
Bakk lives on Lake Vermilion near Cook with his wife Laura. He has four children and eight grandchildren.
Tom’s friend and colleague Representative Rob Ecklund (DFL – International Falls) issued the following statement regarding Senator Bakk’s announcement that he will not seek reelection in 2022:
“Tom Bakk has been my state senator for many years, but more important than that, he’s been a valued friend. His mentorship has been invaluable to me during my own public service as we’ve worked together to strengthen opportunities for folks in northern Minnesota. The Arrowhead has unique challenges due to our geography and economic landscape, but no matter what, Senator Bakk has been steadfast in his commitment to the region. He’s also been an unwavering champion for labor, recognizing the value that every single person should have the opportunity for a good job with fair pay, safety at the workplace, and benefits to support a family. At the Capitol, we have the capacity to do some pretty amazing things, but there comes a point when time with family becomes fleeting and more important than anything else. I join the rest of our region in thanking him for all of his tireless work for the Northland and I wish him well in this next chapter.”
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