MINNEAPOLIS – The State Senate majority leader, Kari Dziedzic, underwent surgery Monday to remove a cancerous tumor, she confirmed. Dziedzic said the surgery was a success. Dziedzic, a Mineeapolis Democrat, said her doctors have advised her to do her Senate work from home through recovery. She was diagnosed in January after a pap smear test suggested further examination. On Friday her doctors scheduled surgery Monday at the University of Minnesota.

Verbatim

Dziedzic: “There is never a good time for anyone to learn they have cancer. I prefer being on the Senate Floor debating the issues, but like others facing health issues, I am following my doctor’s advice. I plan to physically return to the Capitol soon. Until then, I will continue leading the Senate DFL caucus, and doing the work for the people of my district and all Minnesotans through the remote technology.”

Dziedzic. First elected to Minnesota Senate in 2012. She is 61.