Heavy snow and difficult travel expected again, heaviest snow in southern Minnesota

MPR News helps you turn down the noise and build shared understanding. Turn up your support for this public resource and keep trusted journalism accessible to all. 

Turn Up Your Support

Longtime Democratic state Sen. Dick Cohen of St. Paul announced Sunday that he won't seek reelection in 2020.

Cohen, 69, has represented Highland Park, Macalester-Groveland and other western St. Paul neighborhoods in the Minnesota Senate since 1987. Prior to his tenure in the Senate, he served three terms in the state House.

When Democrats held the Senate majority, Cohen served as chairman of the powerful Finance Committee. 

Two more DFL legislators announce retirements

In a letter to constituents, Cohen said he's opting against running for another term because of family commitments and business opportunities that will require more travel. He said he'll serve until the end of the current term.

"It has been the honor of my lifetime to represent the district in which I have lived all my life," he wrote.

Senate DFL Leader Tom Bakk issued a statement calling Cohen "an outstanding public servant." 

"His expertise in state budget issues is irreplaceable and his insight will be sorely missed by both the Legislature and the citizens of Minnesota," Bakk wrote.

. In October, former Minnesota House Majority Leader Erin Murphy, a fellow DFLer, announced her campaign for Cohen's seat, saying she didn't see enough urgency from Cohen to address important issues.

At that time, Cohen said he assumed "it will be a spirited campaign. I’m going to run on my record, which is as progressive as any legislator in this state."

Murphy issued a statement Sunday, writing that Cohen "was not just a longtime legislator, he was a leader in the caucus and Senate, and he worked to mentor many who serve there now. While we have been competitors, we’ve also been allies and partners — I’ve seen his work firsthand and I know that he will continue to be a force in our politics and public policy for years to come."

Minnesota News

Politics and Government News

2025 Minnesota legislative session

NewsPartners

Election 2020

MPR News Staff

Author

Longtime Democratic state Sen. Dick Cohen of St. Paul announced Sunday that he won't seek reelection in 2020.


Longtime state Sen. Dick Cohen of St. Paul says he won't seek reelection

Go Deeper.

Like this?