Sen. Warren Limmer, the longest-serving Republican in the Minnesota Legislature, won't run again for his seat.
Limmer is the 20th state legislator overall to announce a retirement ahead of this year's election, with 16 others pursuing offices other than the one they hold now.
His more than 13,500 days in office are more than two times that of any other current Republican senator and also more than any in the House right now. Three of the top four most tenured senators overall are retiring, with Democratic Sens. Sandy Pappas of St. Paul and Ann Rest of New Hope also leaving office after this term.
Limmer has represented the Maple Grove area since 1989, first in the House but the last 30 years in the Senate. His district is sure to see a competitive race to replace him.
In a news release announcing his retirement, Limmer said he’s honored that the people of his district allowed him to be their voice in St. Paul. He said he would continue engaging in political activity after his term comes to a close next year.
“I do not plan on going silently into retirement,” he said. “I have too much experience to stay quiet.”
Limmer is a former corrections officer and a well-known figure on public safety issues at the Capitol, having chaired that committee or been the ranking member for many years.
DFLers currently hold a 34-33 Senate advantage heading into the next session, which begins on Feb. 17.
