Erik Simonson

American politician

Erik Simonson

Member of the Minnesota Senate
from the 7th district
In office
January 3, 2017 – January 4, 2021
Preceded by| Roger Reinert
Succeeded by| Jen McEwen
Member of the Minnesota House of Representatives
from the 7B district
In office
January 8, 2013 – January 3, 2017
Preceded by| redrawn district
Succeeded by| Liz Olson
Personal details
Born|  (1968-05-26) May 26, 1968 (age 56)
Duluth, Minnesota
Political party| Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party
Children| 2
Residence| Duluth, Minnesota
Alma mater| College of St. Scholastica
Occupation| firefighter, legislator

Erik Simonson (born May 26, 1968) is a Minnesota politician and former member of the Minnesota Senate. A member of the Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party (DFL), he represented District 7 which includes the city of Duluth in St. Louis County in northeastern Minnesota.

## Early life

[edit]

Simonson was born in Duluth, Minnesota.[1]

## Minnesota legislature

[edit]

Simonson was first elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives in 2012 representing District 7B and served two terms.

Simonson was then elected to the Minnesota Senate in 2016.

Simonson served on the following committees during his tenure:

* Ranking Minority Member Energy and Utilities Finance and Policy
* Environment and Natural Resources Finance
* Jobs and Economic Growth Finance and Policy

In 2020, Simonson was not endorsed by the DFL and was defeated in the primary election on August 11 to Jen McEwen.[1]

## Personal life

[edit]

Simonson was an assistant chief for the Duluth Fire Department, retiring after serving as a firefighter for 27 years.[2] He is married and has two children.[1]

After leaving his role as a legislator, Simonson became a lobbyist with Saint Paul-based law firm Flaherty and Hood.[3]

## References

[edit]

1. ^ a b c "Simonson, Erik". Legislators Past & Present. Minnesota Legislative Reference Library. Archived from the original on June 2, 2013. Retrieved April 2, 2013.
2. ^ "Vote Erik Simonson for House District 7B". Simonson for 7B. Archived from the original on May 26, 2013. Retrieved April 2, 2013.
3. ^ Wolfe, Dan (2021-01-14). "Former state senator Erik Simonson begins new role as lobbyist". CBS3Duluth. Archived from the original on 2021-08-12. Retrieved 2021-08-12.

## External links

[edit]

* Erik Simonson at Minnesota Legislators Past & Present
* Rep. Erik Simonson official Minnesota House of Representatives website
* Rep. Erik Simonson official campaign website