DFL state Sen. LeRoy Stumpf of Plummer, one of the longest-serving legislators in Minnesota, announced Wednesday that he will retire at the end of his term.
Stumpf, 71, chairs the Senate Capital Investment Committee and joins a handful of DFL state senators who recently have announced that they won't seek re-election this fall.
Stumpf was first elected to the Minnesota House in 1980, serving one term. He was elected to the Senate in 1982.
"It has been a great honor to advocate in the Minnesota Senate for the people of northwestern Minnesota, and I am most thankful for the opportunity," Stumpf said in a statement.
He will finish out the rest of his term, and he faces a potentially contentious debate over the approval of a major bonding bill this upcoming legislative session.
"I look forward to rolling up my sleeves during the upcoming legislative session to advance a strong bonding bill to help communities with their infrastructure needs and job creation."
Stumpf said he looks forward to spending more time with family.
"Senator LeRoy Stumpf has served the people of northwestern Minnesota with great distinction for 36 years," Gov. Mark Dayton said in a statement. "His superb expertise and great wisdom will be greatly missed at the Capitol."
