Temperatures will continue to fall over the next few days

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

Republican state Sen. Bruce Anderson of Buffalo has died.

Senate Republican Leader Mark Johnson confirmed Anderson’s death in a statement. 

“I’m saddened to learn Senator Bruce Anderson passed unexpectedly today. Bruce was a dedicated public servant, loving family man, and dear friend to many at the Capitol and in Buffalo. We offer our condolences and prayers for comfort for the entire Anderson family.”

DFL Caucus Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy and Sen. Aric Putnam, DFL-St. Cloud, released a statement on Anderson’s death on behalf of the caucus:

“The passing of our colleague Bruce Anderson is a sad loss for the Senate. Senator Anderson’s expertise gained through military service and background in agriculture made him a great champion for farmers, veterans and service members at the Capitol. We will have his family and friends in our hearts.”

The family has asked for privacy and will share a statement at a later time according to Johnson.

Anderson was 75 and had been a lawmaker for nearly 30 years in the Minnesota House and Senate. He began his career in 1995 representing District 19B. Anderson focused on issues like agriculture, broadband access and public safety. 

He emphasized veterans’ issues, which is fitting after lengthy service in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War, Minnesota Air National Guard and U.S. Air Force Reserves. He also chaired veterans’ committees in the House and Senate.

Former Republican Senate Majority Leader Amy Koch said Anderson was a mentor to her. She remembers meeting him at a Perkins in Buffalo when she was just getting started volunteering in politics in Wright County.

“Here was this kid, really, in my 20s, and he was just so respectful and thoughtful and never made me feel like I was not important. He always involved me in politics and mentored and taught me things,” she said.

Koch said Anderson was soft spoken, kind and generous.

“Everywhere he went, he had little twinkle in his eye. He knew everyone. Everyone knew him. That’s why he served the area for so long. It’s Bruce. You never felt like it was Representative Anderson. It was ‘That’s Bruce.’”

Anderson was raised on a dairy farm and his family was active in the local Lutheran church where he sang in the choir and taught Sunday school. He was married twice. His first wife, Dottie, preceded him in death in 2006. He and his second wife Ruth have eight grown children and 14 grandchildren.

Anderson’s death will prompt a special election to replace him. Two elections in the closely divided chamber are upcoming given the planned resignation of DFL state Sen. Nicole Mitchell after a criminal conviction.

Visitations will be held next Sunday and Monday at the Buffalo Evangelical Covenant Church followed by a funeral service. Anderson will be buried at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.

Correction (July 23, 2025): An earlier version of this story misspelled Sen. Aric Putnam's name. The story has been updated.

Politics and Government News

NewsPartners

Homepage

MPR News Staff

Author

Republican state Sen. Bruce Anderson, 75, of Buffalo has died.

‘A a dedicated public servant’: Republican state Senator Bruce Anderson dies at 75

Go Deeper.

Like this?