# Brad Tabke *Minnesota state legislator (DFL), member of the Minnesota House of Representatives since 2023* Brad Tabke (born May 11, 1979) is a Minnesota politician and a member of the [[Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party]] (DFL). He has held a seat in the [[Minnesota House of Representatives]] since 2023, after an earlier term from 2019 to 2021. He represents District 54A, a southwestern Twin Cities district that covers [[Shakopee]] and part of Scott County.[^1] Tabke is a former mayor of Shakopee. In 2024 a recount left him ahead by 15 votes. Election administrators made an error that caused 21 ballots to go missing, and the result was then challenged in court. The judge confirmed the outcome and declined to order a special election.[^1] ## Early life and career Tabke grew up in Moville, Iowa. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in horticulture from Iowa State University.[^1] He runs a consulting firm in downtown Shakopee and helped found the Shakopee Diversity Alliance. His past civic posts include a seat on the Transportation Advisory Board of the [[Metropolitan Council (Minnesota)]]. He has also chaired both the Shakopee Chamber of Commerce and the city's Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. Shakopee voters elected him mayor in 2011 and returned him to the office in 2013.[^1] ## Minnesota House of Representatives Tabke won his first House race in 2018 against Erik Mortensen. Earlier that year, Mortensen had unseated Bob Loonan, the incumbent from the [[Republican Party (United States)]], in a primary. Mortensen defeated Tabke in 2020. After redistricting, the two met again in 2022 in District 54A, and Tabke won.[^1] The 2024 recount put Tabke ahead by 15 votes. The Republican Party went to court over the result after the administrators' error left 21 ballots missing. The judge ruled for Tabke, upholding the outcome and rejecting the request for a special election.[^1] Tabke serves on three committees: Transportation Finance and Policy, Energy Finance and Policy, and Public Safety Finance and Policy. During the 2023–24 session he was vice chair of the transportation committee. He was also one of the DFL House Caucus's assistant majority leaders.[^1] ## Electoral history - Shakopee mayor: 2011, 2013.[^1] - Minnesota House, district 55A: 2018, 2020.[^1] - Minnesota House, district 54A: 2022–present.[^1] ## Personal life Tabke is married to Katy, and they have two children. He has lived in Shakopee since 2003.[^1] ## Notes [^1]: Wikipedia contributors, *Brad Tabke* (revision 1378322779, retrieved 26 October 2026) — biography, offices held, election results and the 2024 recount and court challenge; no primary record was in the pack. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brad_Tabke