MABEL, Minn. — The end of the road for state legislator Greg Davids of Preston may be at hand after 32 years. At the District 26B Republican endorsing convention, Davids lost the party’s backing. Delegates instead voted 42-27 for Mabel businessman Gary Steuart, a long-time stalwart for the party. Both Steuart and Davids will be on the Distroct26B primary ballot to determine who will be the Republican on the November general election ballot. Davids expressed disappointment at losing the endorsement for a 17th term but was undeterred. “We’re going to take it to the voters,” Davids said in a KTTC interview. “We’re going to let 42,000 people decide, not just 42 people.” Davids, age 65, is the longest-serving Republican in the State House of Representatives. Steuart explained Davids’ loss this way: “He has held the position too long and is out of touch with the district.” Steuart identified these as his own legislative priorities: Term limits, election security, education freedom and medical freedom. Davis, a business owner and farmer, has been touting the new veterans home in Preston as a major accomplishment. Some voters are momdful that in 2017 he was caught olaying cards in an anteroom during a House debate. In 2023 he missed a week of roll calls.

Davids. Former Preston mayor. In Minnesota House since 1991 with a lapse of one term.

Steuart. Owns Steuart Laboratories, which manufactures plant-based lotions to alleviate pain.

House District 26B profile

The mostly rural district includes all of Fillmore and Houston counties and far eastern Mower County. Population centers: LaCrescent, 5,300; Chatfield (south only), 3,000: Spring Valley, 2,400; Rushford, 1,800; Caledonia, 2,800; Preston, 1,300; Racine, 1,300; Spring Grove, 1,200; Houston, 1,000: Harmony; 1,000; LeRoy, 900. Lanesboro, 700: Mabel, 700; Brownsville, 500; Fountain, 400; Canton, 310.

Davids electoral record

1991: Defeated Harlin Taylor 62% to 35%.

1992: Defeated Harlin Taylor 62% to 35%.

1994: Won unoposed with 98%.

1996: Defeated Delbert Mandelko 60% to 39%.

1998: Defeated Delbert Mandelko 60% to 39%.

2000: Defeated Al Hein 59% to 49%.

2002: Defeated Al Hein 53% to 46%.

2004: Defeated Peggy Hanson 52% to 47%.

2006: Lost to Ken Tschumper 50% to 349%.

2008: Defeated Ken Tschumper 50% to 48%.

2010: Defeated Steve Kemp 53% to 32% and Al Hein 16%.

2012: Defeated Ken Tschumper 50% to 48%.

2014: Defeated Jon Pieper 55% to 43%.

2016: Defeated Thomas Trehus 54% to 45%.

2018: Defeated t Thomas Trehus 55% to 44%.

2020: Defeated Jordan Fontenello 63% to 36%.

2022: Won unopposed, 94%.