ST PAUL, Minn. — Minnesota State Representative and former House Speaker Kurt Daudt announced Wednesday he'll resign from the legislature early next month, just one day before the 2024 session begins.
A statement from Daudt's office said he'll depart the legislature on Feb. 11, 2024. He did not provide a reason for his exit.
"It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve the people of Minnesota," said Daudt. "I am profoundly thankful to my friends and neighbors who put their trust and faith in me to work on their behalf for the last 13 years."
Daudt, a Republican lawmaker representing communities just north of the Twin Cities — including parts of Sherburne, Isanti, Mille Lacs and Anoka Counties — has served in the Minnesota House of Representatives since he was first elected in 2011. He served as House Speaker from 2015 to 2019, as well as two stints as House Minority Leader from 2013 to 2015 and then again from 2019 to early 2023.
"As I step away, I trust in the bright future of Minnesota and the capable hands that will continue the important work on behalf of Minnesotans,” Daudt's statement read.
Daudt was a vocal participant in the state's various fiscal debates, authoring legislation relating to welfare reform and EBT matters, while also taking up pro-life, pro-gun, alcoholic sales, tax reforms and veteran benefits, among others.
"Compromise is not necessarily a bad thing but he held the line and worked with Gov. Dayton and was again able to keep a lid on spending," Republican activist, Andy Brehm said.
In late 2022, Rep. Lisa Demuth (R-Cold Spring) was selected to replace Daudt as House Minority Leader. Demuth became the first Black woman to lead any state legislative caucuses and the first woman to lead House Republicans when she assumed the position in January of 2023.
With the news of Daudt's departure, state law requires a special election be held to fill the representative's seat for the term ending in 2025.
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