ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) - Sen. Steve Cwodzinski will not seek reelection in 2026 , and has announced his retirement after nearly a decade in the Minnesota Senate.

Senator's contributions

Local perspective:

Cwodzinski, a former civics teacher, was first elected in 2016 to represent Senate District 49, which includes Eden Prairie. Throughout his career, he has focused on improving public education and supporting democracy, according to a press release. He has also worked on voter access and election security. He has also been a vocal advocate for environmental protection, particularly for the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

As the chair of the Senate Education Policy Committee since 2022, Cwodzinski played a role in shaping education policy in Minnesota.

Advocacy for the envi

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