MINNEAPOLIS — Former Democratic congressman for Minnesota's Eighth District, Rick Nolan, has died, according to a statement from the state DFL.
“Rick Nolan was a champion for the Northland who fought fiercely to protect working people from corporate interests. From Ely to Duluth, he was an ambassador for the DFL creed that ‘we all do better when we all do better.’ Our thoughts are with his family and all who came to know and love this dedicated public servant,” said DFL Chairman Ken Martin.
Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar also released a statement, calling the congressman a "one-of-a-kind leader."
"Rick Nolan was an incredible friend that dedicated his life to public service and his family. With his thunderous voice and passion for the people, Rick was a one-of-a-kind leader. He was the comeback kid. He went from being one of the youngest members of Congress to being one of the oldest freshmen when he was sworn in again at 69. He was the consummate outdoorsman, friend of labor, and he never forgot where he came from. John and my thoughts and prayers are with Mary and his family.”
Nolan's atypical journey to and through the U.S. House of Representatives began with his election to represent the state's Sixth Congressional District in 1975. Nolan held the seat until 1981, deciding not to run for reelection and instead becoming president of the U.S. Export Corporation.
Nolan worked outside the confines of public office until 2013 when he again joined the U.S. House as Minnesota's Eighth District representative. He occupied that seat until 2019, hanging up his congressional campaign cap for good.
With Nolan out of the race, Republican Pete Stauber was able to turn the longtime Democratic-leaning Iron Range district red.
The congressman wasn't quite done with politics, though, having run alongside former Democratic Attorney General Lori Swanson as she made a bid for governor in the 2018 midterms. Swanson and Nolan would eventually lose the DFL nomination to current Gov. and Vice Presidential nominee Tim Walz and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan.
At this time, a cause of death has not been released.
Nolan was 80 years old.