Minnesota Rep. Kurt Daudt announced his resignation from the Minnesota House Wednesday, saying his last day in office will be Feb. 11.
Among the most prominent Republicans in state politics, Daudt served as House speaker from 2015-2019 and was elected leader of the Republican caucus in just his second term in office. He was first elected in 2010.
“It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve the people of Minnesota,” Daudt said in a statement. “I am profoundly thankful to my friends and neighbors who put their trust and faith in me to work on their behalf for the last 13 years. I’ve been fortunate to play a role in enacting historic tax cuts, game-changing education reforms and school choice initiatives, making history investments in our roads and bridges, and advancing pro-life and pro-Second Amendment legislation. I was proud to lead Republican Majorities from 2015-2019 that advanced dozens of conservative priorities, and am forever grateful to my current and former colleagues for their friendship and service. As I step away, I trust in the bright future of Minnesota and the capable hands that will continue the important work on behalf of Minnesotans.”
A press release announcing Daudt’s resignation did not cite a reason for his departure. After failing to win back a majority in the 2022 midterms, Daudt was replaced as Republican leader by Rep. Lisa DeMuth.
His tenure as caucus leader also saw a faction of Republican legislators break away from his leadership and form what was known as the New House Republican Caucus.
His Feb. 11 departure will trigger a special election for his House District 27B seat in the middle of an already jam-packed election year.
Anthony Gockowski
Anthony Gockowski is Editor-in-Chief of Alpha News. He previously worked as an editor for The Minnesota Sun and Campus Reform, and wrote for the Daily Caller.
