# Paul Torkelson *American politician serving in the Minnesota House of Representatives since 2009* Paul M. Torkelson (born July 12, 1952) has sat in the [[Minnesota House of Representatives]] since 2009.[^1] A member of the [[Republican Party of Minnesota]], he holds the seat for District 15B in southwestern [[Minnesota]]. The district takes in the city of New Ulm and all or parts of Blue Earth, Brown, and Redwood Counties.[^1] Torkelson first won the seat in 2008, following Representative [[Brad Finstad]]. He has since held House Republican leadership posts in several sessions and has chaired the chamber's Capital Investment and Transportation Finance committees.[^1] On January 30, 2026, he said he would not be a candidate for reelection that year.[^1] ## Early life, education and career Torkelson graduated from Gustavus Adolphus College in 1974 with a Bachelor of Arts in instrumental music education.[^1] In 2006, [[Tim Pawlenty]], then [[governor]], named him to the Minnesota Governor's Clean Water Council. He served on the council until he won his House seat.[^1] He was formerly vice president of the Minnesota Farm Bureau and chair of St. James Health Services, and he belongs to the Minnesota's Deer Hunters Association.[^1] The Wikipedia article describes him as a former music teacher and as a fourth-generation corn, soybean and pork farmer in Watonwan County, where his family has lived since 1878. He is Lutheran.[^1] ## Minnesota House of Representatives In 2008 the incumbent, Finstad, did not run again, and Torkelson won the seat. He has been returned at each two-year election since then.[^1] His caucus posts include assistant majority leader in the 2011–12 session and assistant minority leader in 2013–14. He returned to the assistant majority leader post in 2021–22.[^1] He was chair of the Capital Investment Committee in 2015–16 and of the Transportation Finance Committee in 2017–18.[^1] Following the 2022 election, [[Lisa Demuth]], the incoming minority leader, named him deputy minority leader.[^1] Following the 2024 election, he became Assistant Republican Floor Leader. He is also a co-chair of the Ways and Means Committee.[^1] Torkelson made public on January 30, 2026, that he would not seek another term in the 2026 election.[^1] ## In the Minnesota record ### Who - Paul M. Torkelson, born July 12, 1952, is a Republican member of the Minnesota House of Representatives.[^1] ### What - He represents District 15B in southwestern Minnesota.[^1] ### When - He received a Bachelor of Arts from Gustavus Adolphus College in 1974.[^1] - Governor Tim Pawlenty appointed him to the Governor's Clean Water Council in 2006.[^1] - He was elected to the House in 2008.[^1] - He announced on January 30, 2026, that he would not seek reelection.[^1] ### Where - District 15B includes New Ulm and all or parts of Blue Earth, Brown, and Redwood Counties.[^1] ## Notes [^1]: Wikipedia contributors, *Paul Torkelson* (revision 1366324906, retrieved 2026-10-26) — biography and legislative career, including birth date, education, the Clean Water Council appointment, House elections, committee chairs, leadership posts, and the January 30, 2026 announcement. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Torkelson