David Gottfried (politician)
David Gottfried | |
|---|---|
| Member of the Minnesota House of Representatives from the 40B district | |
| Assumed office March 17, 2025[1] | |
| Preceded by | Jamie Becker-Finn |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Roseville, Minnesota |
| Political party | Democratic (DFL) |
| Spouse | Haylee |
| Residence | Shoreview |
| Education | Saint Olaf College Humphrey School of Public Affairs |
David Gottfried is an American politician. A member of the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party, he has served in the Minnesota House of Representatives since March 18, 2025, representing parts of Ramsey County. Gottfried was first elected by special election.
Early life, education, and career
Gottfried was born in Roseville, Minnesota, and attended Roseville public schools.[2] He received a bachelor's degree in vocal performance from St. Olaf College and a Masters of Public Policy from the Humphrey School of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota.[3] Before entering electoral politics, Gottfried worked as a pro bono specialist at a local legal firm.[4]
Minnesota House of Representatives
After Representative Jamie Becker-Finn announced her retirement from Minnesota House of Representatives,[5] two candidates emerged for the seat: Gottfried and Curtis Johnson. After the DFL endorsed Johnson, Gottfried withdrew from the race and did not appear on the primary ballot that August.[6] Johnson was elected in November 2024 by over 7,000 votes, but after a judge ruled he did not meet residency requirements in the district, Johnson's election was invalidated and the seat remained vacant.[7]
Governor Tim Walz called a special election for January 28, 2025, and amid a crowded field of candidates, Gottfried won the DFL endorsement. The other candidates then withdrew from the race.[8] After the writ of election was ruled invalid, a new date was set for March 11, 2025,[9] and Gottfried defeated Republican nominee Paul Wikstrom by a 40-point margin. His election returned the Minnesota House of Representatives to a tie between DFL and Republican control after the vacancy had given Republicans a one-seat majority.[10][11]
Gottfried was sworn in on March 17, 2025.[12] He sits on the Agriculture Finance and Policy, Education Policy, and Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy Committees.[3]
Personal life
Gottfried lives in Shoreview, Minnesota, with his wife, Haylee.[13]
Electoral history
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic (DFL) | David Gottfried | 9,352 | 70.15% | +4.96% | |
| Republican | Paul Wikstrom | 3,966 | 29.75% | –4.80% | |
| Write-in | 13 | 0.10% | –0.16% | ||
| Total votes | 13,331 | 100.00% | |||
References
- ^ "Rep. David Gottfried sworn into office". Minnesota House of Representatives. March 17, 2025. Retrieved March 18, 2025.
- ^ Moini, Nina; Roth, Ellie; Ferguson, Dana (March 12, 2025). "Shoreview Democrat David Gottfried on tying the Minnesota House, working across the aisle". Minnesota Public Radio. Retrieved March 12, 2025.
- ^ a b "Rep. David Gottfried". Minnesota House of Representatives. Retrieved March 18, 2025.
- ^ Hughes, Elliot; Moore, Janet (March 11, 2025). "DFL wins special election, locking Minnesota House in 67-67 tie with Republicans". Minnesota Star Tribune. Retrieved March 14, 2025.
- ^ "Retirements add up in Minnesota House, with veteran lawmakers saying 2024 will be their last session". MPR News. January 5, 2024. Retrieved January 31, 2024.
- ^ Faircloth, Ryan; Moore, Janet (December 31, 2024). "More than a dozen candidates file for special elections to determine control of Minn. House, Senate". Minnesota Star Tribune. Retrieved March 14, 2025.
- ^ Cummings, Caroline; Premo, Cole (December 20, 2024). "DFL candidate who won Minnesota House seat did not meet residency requirements, judge rules". WCCO-TV. Retrieved March 14, 2025.
- ^ Hoff, Jennifer (January 2, 2025). "Race for House District 40B becoming clearer with DFL endorsement, GOP nominee". KARE-TV. Retrieved January 3, 2025.
- ^ "Governor Walz sets special election date for Minnesota House to fill vacancy". KAAL-TV. February 5, 2025. Retrieved February 5, 2025.
- ^ Karnowski, Steve (March 11, 2025). "Democrat David Gottfried easily wins Minnesota House special election, restoring a 67-67 power split". Associated Press. Retrieved March 12, 2025.
- ^ Ferguson, Dana (March 11, 2025). "Minnesota House is tied after DFL wins special election. Here's what changes". Minnesota Public Radio. Retrieved March 14, 2025.
- ^ Cummings, Caroline (March 18, 2025). "Minnesota House returns to a rare tie after newly elected Democrat takes oath of office". WCCO-TV. Retrieved March 18, 2025.
- ^ "David Gottfried". Legislators Past and Present. Minnesota Legislature. Retrieved March 14, 2025.
- ^ "2025 Results for State Representative District 40B". Minnesota Secretary Of State. Retrieved March 12, 2025.