Quick Read
- Senators Rich Draheim and Steve Cwodzinski, and Rep. Sandra Feist announced they won’t seek reelection in 2026.
- Draheim and Cwodzinski have served in the Minnesota Senate since 2016; Feist was first elected in 2020.
- Draheim cited belief in term limits and a need for fresh voices; Cwodzinski focused on education and civic engagement; Feist emphasized privacy, justice, and immigrant support.
- Their retirements open the door for new candidates and potential shifts in legislative priorities.
Senators Draheim and Cwodzinski, Representative Feist Announce They Won’t Run in 2026
On Monday morning, Minnesota’s Capitol witnessed a notable shift as two state senators and one representative revealed they would not seek reelection in 2026. Rich Draheim (R-Madison Lake) and Steve Cwodzinski (DFL-Eden Prairie), both fixtures of the Senate since 2016, joined Representative Sandra Feist (DFL-New Brighton) in announcing their planned departures. Their decisions, following earlier retirement news from Senator Sandy Pappas and others, set the stage for a new generation of legislative voices in St. Paul.
Rich Draheim: A Decade of Service, and a Call for Fresh Voices
Senator Rich Draheim, who has represented Madison Lake since 2016, emphasized his belief in term limits as the cornerstone of his decision. After ten years in the Senate, Draheim noted, “Everyone has something to offer, and there needs to be fresh voices in St. Paul.” He reflected on achievements and unfinished business, expressing pride in his work but also a sense of responsibility for initiatives that did not cross the finish line. Draheim’s leadership roles have spanned critical committees—from higher education and health, to housing and economic development. His advocacy has centered around mental health resources, stable careers, affordable homeownership, and small business support. Looking ahead to his final session, Draheim cited public safety, rising healthcare costs, and legislative term limits as his top priorities.
Steve Cwodzinski: The Teacher-Turned-Lawmaker Who Put Civics First
Senator Steve Cwodzinski, also first elected in 2016, will step away after a decade dedicated to education policy. A civics teacher for over 30 years before his Senate career, Cwodzinski chaired the Education Policy Committee since 2022, championing public education reforms, voter access, and election safeguards. He’s also known for his environmental advocacy, especially regarding the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. In his retirement statement, Cwodzinski invoked the U.S. Constitution’s call for a “more perfect union,” framing public service as a continuous journey. “We the people, together we can solve a few pieces of the puzzle and together leave Minnesota a more perfect union,” he wrote, highlighting the collaborative spirit he hopes will persist after his departure.
Sandra Feist: A Legacy of Advocacy and Bipartisanship
Representative Sandra Feist, elected in 2020, marked her time in office with a focus on student data privacy, restorative justice, and support for immigrants. Serving the communities of New Brighton, Columbia Heights, and St. Anthony, Feist described her tenure as “the honor of a lifetime.” She credited her constituents and colleagues for broadening her perspective, stating, “I’m a better, more thoughtful person as a result.” After her legislative term concludes, Feist intends to return to her work as an immigration attorney, continuing her commitment to justice and equity from a new vantage point.
Ripple Effects: What Their Departures Mean for Minnesota Politics
The announced retirements come at a pivotal moment for the Minnesota Legislature. Each lawmaker brought distinct priorities: Draheim’s focus on economic growth and mental health, Cwodzinski’s dedication to civic education and environmental protection, and Feist’s work on privacy and immigration. Their exits leave open seats that could reshape committee leadership, policy direction, and the overall tenor of the legislative body.
For constituents, these changes invite reflection and anticipation. Long-serving lawmakers often serve as bridges between communities and policy, translating local concerns into legislative action. Their departures will require new candidates to step forward—individuals who can carry forward unfinished projects and bring fresh perspectives to the Capitol.
Looking Ahead: The Road to 2026 and Beyond
As Minnesota approaches the 2026 election cycle, attention will turn to the races for these open seats. The political landscape may shift, with new faces bringing different priorities and methods to the table. For some, the departures signal a loss of experience; for others, an opportunity for renewal. The process of democratic transition, embedded in term limits and voluntary retirements, underscores the ongoing evolution of representative government.
The coming months will reveal who steps up to fill these roles and how their visions align with the needs of Minnesota’s diverse communities. The impact of legislative turnover—on policy continuity, institutional memory, and the pace of change—will be felt in ways large and small.
As three respected Minnesota lawmakers prepare to step aside, their stories remind us that public service is both a privilege and a responsibility—one that evolves with each new voice and each passing term. The next chapter for the Minnesota Legislature will be shaped not only by those who leave, but by those who choose to serve next.