State Sen. Sandy Pappas to retire after 2026 legislative session
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Another longtime legislator will make next year her last at the Minnesota Capitol.
State Sen. Sandy Pappas says she’ll retire rather than seek a new term. The St. Paul DFLer has served in the Legislature since 1985 — she was elected to the House in 1984 and served there until her election to the Senate in 1990.
Her House service plus her Senate service makes her the longest-serving current lawmaker in the state Legislature along with fellow DFL Sen. Ann Rest, who is also retiring after next year.
Pappas is the chair of the Senate committee that crafts construction projects bills. She has also been Senate president and has a long list of laws to her credit.
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“The Legislature has been so much a part of my life that leaving is like saying farewell to my family,” Pappas said in a press release. “I am proud of the work I have accomplished to help Minnesotans of all ages, backgrounds, and beliefs live healthier, safer and more fulfilling lives.”
In an interview with MPR News, Pappas said she’s proud to have passed bills that helped women get a stronger economic footing, undocumented students get affordable access to college and regular Minnesotans access to pensions.
She’s also happy to get major bonding bills passed over the last few years.
“I was pretty proud of that, because we'd been having trouble passing bonding bills,” she said.
Pappas said she’ll miss getting to work with colleagues she’s spent so much time with over the years, but plans to spend more time with her three children, 31 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
“It's been a long run, and I had a great last of couple years,” she said, with opportunities to head up bonding bills and work as Senate president. “I just think its time to go. I want to leave when I'm healthy. I can still spend time doing other things, traveling, being with my grandkids.”
Pappas is one of several lawmakers to announce a departure after 2026. All 201 seats are on next year’s ballot.
