U.S. Rep. Jim Hagedorn passed away Thursday night after a three-year battle with kidney cancer, his wife announced Friday morning.
“It is with a broken heart, shattered spirit and overwhelming sadness I share my husband Congressman Jim Hagedorn passed away peacefully last night,” said Jennifer Carnahan, former chair of the Minnesota GOP.
Hagedorn was elected to represent the First Congressional District in 2018 after prior bids in 2014 and 2016. He was diagnosed with kidney cancer in February 2019, barely a month into his first term in Congress.
“Congressman Jim Hagedorn was a patriot who will be remembered for his strong Christian faith, his deep passion for serving others, and his joyful spirit. May God bless his wife Jennifer and their entire family as we lift them up in prayer during this difficult time,” said House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy.
Hagedorn’s Republican colleagues in Congress — Pete Stauber, Michelle Fischbach, and Tom Emmer — released a joint statement on his passing.
“Jim was a dear friend who wanted nothing more than to represent the people of Minnesota’s First District in Congress. He did so every day with an unwavering passion and unshakable joy that brightened the halls of Congress and brought the best of Blue Earth to Washington. Our thoughts are with Jim’s family during this time and we will continue to pray for them. We will miss Jim dearly,” they said.
Leaders from across the political aisle reacted to the news Friday:
I’m saddened to hear about the passing of Rep. Hagedorn. He was a fighter for his constituents and a friend to so many, including me. Through his battle against cancer, he showed a level of determination that should inspire us all. My condolences to Jennifer and all his family.
— Amy Klobuchar (@amyklobuchar) February 18, 2022
Jim Hagedorn and I worked on opposite sides of the aisle but both worked to serve the people of Minnesota. No one should be taken away from us at such a young age. Thinking of Jennifer and all Jim’s family.
— Senator Tina Smith (@SenTinaSmith) February 18, 2022
I’m saddened by the passing of my colleague, @JimHagedornMN. We had different political views but a respectful friendship and a shared love for Minnesota and our country. Condolences to @jkcarnah and family. May his memory for a blessing.
— Rep. Dean Phillips 🇺🇸 (@RepDeanPhillips) February 18, 2022
I was saddened to hear that my colleague Jim Hagedorn has passed away this morning. Thinking of all of his friends, family and loved ones during this difficult time. https://t.co/mdk6h8Qpc2
— Angie Craig (@RepAngieCraig) February 18, 2022
It is with great sadness that I learned of the passing of my friend and colleague Jim Hagedorn. No one represented the values of Minnesota more than Jim and no one was needed more in these troubled times. He will be missed. My sincere condolences to Jennifer and his family.
— Jason Lewis (@LewisForMN) February 18, 2022
Gwen and I are thinking of Congressman Jim Hagedorn’s family and loved ones today. May they find peace during this difficult time.
— Governor Tim Walz (@GovTimWalz) February 18, 2022
I am deeply saddened by the passing of Congressman Jim Hagedorn. He served the district with honor and he will be greatly missed. Janel and I send our condolences to his family and friends as they mourn this loss.
— Jeremy Miller (@jeremyrmiller) February 18, 2022
