Tag Archives: State Rep.

Elections

Representative Karen Hurd Announces Candidacy for Redrawn 69th Assembly District

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State Representative Karen Hurd, a Republican from Fall Creek, has officially declared her candidacy for the newly redrawn 69th Assembly District, following the enactment of recent state maps. In a strategic move, Rep. Hurd will be transitioning her residence from Fall Creek to a locale within Clark County, where she plans to continue representing the 68th District until the conclusion of her tenure in early January 2025. Simultaneously, she will establish residency in the redrawn 69th District, where she intends to campaign vigorously for the upcoming 2024 election.

Reflecting on her decision, Rep. Hurd expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve the constituents of the 68th District Assembly, stating, “It has been and continues to be my honor to serve the people of the 68th District Assembly.” She emphasized her commitment to ensuring continued representation for those now encompassed within the western half of Clark County, as well as constituents in the broader Clark County region, and parts of Taylor, Marathon, and Chippewa Counties that have been newly incorporated into the 69th District.

With a focus on community engagement and effective governance, Rep. Hurd’s decision to run for the redrawn 69th District underscores her dedication to serving the needs of her constituents across county lines. As she prepares to embark on her campaign journey, she remains steadfast in her commitment to advocating for the interests of all residents within the district.

The announcement of Rep. Hurd’s candidacy has sparked anticipation and interest among voters within the newly configured 69th Assembly District. Constituents are eager to engage with her platform and vision for the district’s future. With her proven track record of leadership and advocacy, Rep. Hurd aims to unite communities and address pressing issues facing the region.

As she transitions her residency to Clark County, Rep. Hurd will continue her legislative duties in the 68th District, ensuring a seamless representation for her current constituents while laying the groundwork for her campaign in the 69th District. Her proactive approach demonstrates a commitment to effective governance and a willingness to adapt to the evolving needs of her constituents.

Throughout her tenure as a State Representative, Rep. Hurd has been recognized for her dedication to bipartisan collaboration and her efforts to enact meaningful legislation that benefits all residents of Wisconsin. As she embarks on her campaign for the 69th District, she remains dedicated to upholding these values and fostering positive change within the community.

In the coming months, Rep. Hurd will engage with voters across the newly redrawn district, listening to their concerns and priorities. Through open dialogue and proactive engagement, she seeks to build a strong foundation of support for her candidacy and earn the trust of constituents throughout the district.

With her announcement, Rep. Karen Hurd emerges as a formidable contender in the race for the 69th Assembly District, poised to bring her proven leadership and unwavering commitment to public service to the forefront of Wisconsin politics. As the campaign unfolds, voters can expect a spirited and substantive dialogue on the issues that matter most to the communities of Clark, Taylor, Marathon, and Chippewa Counties.

Elections

State Representative Paul Holvey Announces Retirement

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After two decades of dedicated service in the Oregon State Legislature, State Representative Paul Holvey (D – Eugene) has declared that he will not be seeking reelection in 2024, citing a desire to prioritize personal and family commitments.

Representative Holvey has been a steadfast advocate for Oregonians, serving as their voice in the State Capitol since his appointment in 2004. Representing Oregon House District 8, which encompasses Eugene and its surrounding areas, Holvey has been instrumental in shaping policy and legislation aimed at improving the lives of his constituents.

In a heartfelt statement released on February 29, Holvey expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve, saying, “It has been an absolute privilege and honor to serve the State of Oregon. I am so grateful for all the years of support and trust from my community to represent them in the Oregon Legislature.”

Throughout his tenure, Holvey has championed issues ranging from labor rights to environmental conservation, earning the respect and admiration of colleagues and constituents alike. As Speaker Pro Tempore since 2017 and Chair of the Committee on Business and Labor since 2021, he has played a pivotal role in shaping Oregon’s legislative landscape.

Reflecting on his decision to retire, Holvey emphasized the importance of family and thanked his wife, Terrie, for her unwavering support over the years. He also expressed gratitude to the residents of House District 8 for entrusting him with their representation.

Holvey’s departure leaves a void in Oregon politics, but it has also paved the way for new leadership to emerge. One such candidate is Doyle Canning, an attorney and community organizer based in Eugene, who has announced her candidacy for the vacant seat.

Canning, who previously ran for the Democratic nomination for the 4th Congressional District in 2022 and currently serves as legislative director for Rep. Khanh Pham, D-Portland, is positioning herself as a progressive advocate for union rights, environmental protection, and accountable governance.

“I am a proud progressive from Eugene and ready to carry forward the priorities that Representative Holvey has brought to Salem so consistently over the last 20 years,” Canning stated. “I aim to be a champion for working families, combat climate change, and ensure that government is responsive to the needs of all Oregonians.”

With endorsements from prominent figures such as Rep. Khanh Pham, former state Rep. Marty Wilde, D-Eugene, and Eugene City Councilor Lyndsie Leech, Canning’s candidacy is gaining momentum as the March 12 filing deadline approaches.

As Oregon prepares for a new chapter in its legislative history, the retirement of Paul Holvey marks the end of an era characterized by dedication, integrity, and service to the people of the Beaver State.

Elections

Rep. Kristina Shelton to Retire from Wisconsin Assembly

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State Representative Kristina Shelton, a Democrat hailing from Green Bay, has recently announced her decision to retire from her position in the Wisconsin State Assembly. Serving the 90th Assembly District since her election in 2020, Shelton declared that she will not be pursuing a third term in the forthcoming November elections. Citing a need to allocate more time to her family and professional aspirations, Shelton expressed gratitude for the trust placed in her by the community and reaffirmed her commitment to serving out the remainder of her term.

In a press release, Shelton stated, “After much consideration and heartfelt reflection, I am announcing today that I will not be seeking a third term as the State Representative to the 90th Assembly District. This decision has been a difficult one, as it has been an immense privilege to represent the incredible people of Green Bay.”

Throughout her tenure, Shelton has been a staunch advocate for various causes including public education, economic justice, racial justice, and reproductive rights. Her dedication to these issues has left an indelible mark on the political landscape of Wisconsin.

Prior to her role in the State Assembly, Shelton served on the Board of Education within the Green Bay Area Public School District, demonstrating a longstanding commitment to educational excellence and community service.

Reflecting on her decision, Shelton expressed gratitude to her constituents, colleagues, staff, and family for their unwavering support. She acknowledged the privilege of representing the 90th District and affirmed her continued dedication to serving the community until the conclusion of her term.

As Shelton prepares to transition away from her legislative responsibilities, the focus now shifts to the upcoming election and the search for her successor. Shelton’s departure marks the end of an era for the 90th Assembly District, leaving both supporters and constituents to reflect on her contributions and the future direction of representation in Green Bay.

Elections

Colorado State Rep. Rick Taggart Announces Reelection Bid

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In a press release on Wednesday, State Representative Rick Taggart, a Grand Junction Republican, officially declared his intention to seek reelection to the Colorado Legislature this year. Taggart, who currently serves on the Legislature’s Joint Budget Committee, expressed his desire to build upon the momentum of his first term in office.

During his inaugural session, Taggart made a significant impact by introducing 21 bills and joint resolutions, with an impressive 18 successfully passing into law. In a statement, Taggart emphasized his commitment to addressing the unique needs of House District 55, making it a top priority in shaping legislation for the state.

Some notable accomplishments during Taggart’s freshman term include modernizing airport authority policies, extending tax increment financing to downtown development authorities, and securing increased funding for food banks. Additionally, he played a pivotal role in changing laws to enable local wineries, breweries, and distilleries to showcase their products at more special events and farmer’s markets. Taggart also championed the extension of tax credits for employers looking to sell their businesses to employees.

Looking ahead to the current legislative session, Taggart outlined key areas of focus. He aims to streamline workforce requirements, address liability issues for private helicopter companies involved in search and rescue missions, and expand the use of tax increment financing for special projects in unincorporated areas of counties.

As the House GOP’s representative on the Joint Budget Committee, Taggart is advocating for increased funding for after-school programs and supporting colleges and universities in their efforts to help more first-generation students attain degrees.

Notably, Taggart is not the only local lawmaker seeking reelection. Representatives Meghan Lukens (D-Steamboat Springs), Elizabeth Velasco (D-Glenwood Springs), and Matt Soper (R-Delta) are also running, currently unopposed. However, Representatives Marc Catlin (R-Montrose) and Barbara McLachlan (D-Durango) are unable to seek reelection due to term limits.

In House District 58, three candidates are vying for Catlin’s seat, including former Rep. Kathleen Curry, Paonia Republican Jonathan Roeber, and Cortez Republican Larry Suckla. Meanwhile, House District 59 sees a contest between Ignacio Republican Clark Craig and Durango Democrat Katie Stewart to succeed McLachlan.

In the Colorado Senate, State Senator Perry Will (R-New Castle) is seeking reelection in Senate District 5, facing Democratic challengers Cole Buerger of Glenwood Springs and Barbara Bynum of Montrose. Senate District 6 incumbent, Senator Cleave Simpson (R-Alamosa), now faces a Democratic challenger, Vivian Smotherman of Durango.

Before entering state politics, Taggart served on the Grand Junction City Council, bringing a wealth of local experience to his legislative role. As he embarks on his reelection campaign, Taggart remains focused on representing the interests and needs of his constituents in House District 55.

Elections

Minnesota State Representative Laurie Pryor Announces Retirement

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Minnesota State Representative Laurie Pryor (DFL-49A, Minnetonka) revealed on Tuesday, January 16, that she will not seek reelection in 2024. Having diligently represented the residents of southern Minnetonka and northern Eden Prairie since 2017, Pryor disclosed her decision to retire at the end of her current term.

Expressing gratitude for the opportunity to serve, Pryor stated, “It has been my great honor to represent residents of southern Minnetonka and northern Eden Prairie since 2017 as a state representative.” Her focus during her tenure centered around fostering bipartisan collaboration to enhance schools, safeguard the environment, and address gun violence, among other critical initiatives.

As the chair of the House Education Policy Committee, Pryor played a key role in shaping educational policies in the state. Her departure from the political arena marks the end of an era, leaving behind a legacy of dedicated service and a commitment to bettering the lives of her constituents.

In a press release, Pryor shared, “Looking ahead, I will not run for re-election in the 2024 election. I am looking forward to the joys of retirement, but I will miss working with community members, staff, and other elected officials to improve our state.” This decision comes as a significant turning point for Pryor, who has been an integral part of the Minnesota House of Representatives since her first term.

Acknowledging the collaborative efforts that led to positive outcomes, she added, “I sought to bring people together across the political spectrum to strengthen our schools, protect our air and water, and prevent gun violence, among other initiatives, and I would like to think those efforts met with some success.”

As Pryor gears up for her final legislative session, commencing on February 12 and concluding at the end of May, she expressed her commitment to working diligently on behalf of her constituents. “Finally, I would like to thank my constituents for the very great privilege of representing you in the Legislature. I will work hard to represent you in my final legislative session,” she affirmed.

Pryor’s decision to step away from the political arena not only marks the end of an impactful career but also prompts reflection on the contributions she made to the community. Her dedication to bridging political divides for the betterment of her constituents and the state as a whole stands as a testament to the power of bipartisan collaboration. As the 2024 election season approaches, the announcement of Pryor’s retirement adds an interesting dimension to the evolving political landscape in Minnesota.

Elections

Denny Zent Announces Retirement from Politics

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In a surprising announcement on Wednesday, State Representative Denny Zent (R-Angola) revealed that he will not be seeking re-election in 2024, marking the end of a remarkable political career spanning over a decade. Zent, who currently represents House District 51 encompassing parts of LaGrange and Steuben counties in northeast Indiana, plans to fulfill his duties for the remainder of his term.

Zent, a dedicated Republican, serves on prominent committees within the Indiana General Assembly, including the House Public Health Committee and the House Veterans Affairs and Public Safety Committee. Despite his decision not to seek re-election, Zent has committed to completing his ongoing term without providing specific reasons for his departure.

Prior to his political career, Zent served in both the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force, bringing a unique perspective to the legislature. Notably, he championed the cause of Hoosier veterans and their families, authoring crucial legislation such as the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act. This legislation granted active service members the ability to temporarily defer civilian obligations, including debt collections and lease terminations.

Reflecting on his time in office, Zent expressed gratitude for the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of Hoosiers. “It has been an honor to serve for over a decade in the General Assembly,” he stated in a written release. “During my time in the legislature, we’ve made great strides in helping our veterans, recognizing the crucial roles of caregivers, and addressing various healthcare matters impacting Hoosiers.”

Zent and his wife, Wendy, currently reside on Lake James, and the couple has two adult children and seven grandchildren. The announcement of his retirement from active politics has left constituents and colleagues alike acknowledging his significant contributions to the state.

As Representative Zent prepares to conclude his legislative journey, the focus now shifts to the upcoming 2024 election, where a new representative will be chosen to carry the torch for House District 51.