ROCHESTER, Minn. — The influential Republican state senator Carla Nelson is leaving elected public service. She announced she will not seek re-election to a fifth term. Earlier she was in the Minnesota House. Nelson is 68. She underwent open heart surgery in 2023, Her recovery required five months, mostly between legislative sessions. The recovery was successful, and Nelson didn’t mention health in announcing her departure from public office. In fact the announcement was forward looking “to new ways to serve.” In the Legislature she was instrumental in:
> The public-private partnership Destination Medical Center to promote Rochester as a global destination for healthcare.
> The 2017 bipartisan budget to put an additional $1.3 billion in Minnesota public schools, increasing per-pupil support by $320 a year.
> The 2018 Safe and Secure Schools Act, with $20 million for bulletproof glass, single-point entry systems, and security cameras.
> The 2022 $8.5 billion package to reduce income taxes for every Minnesota filer and eliminate the state tax on Social Security benefits.
> Raising the legal age to buy tobacco and vaping products from 18 to 21.
Nelson. Her Senate district includes the Rochester West Side and Dodge County. Also the Rochester South Side and rural areas south to the Fillmore County line.
Nelson profile
Her parents were public school teachers..She holds a degree in special education from Drake University. At the University of Minnesota she earned certification as a reading specialist and a master’s degree in teacher leadership. This background dove-tailed with her legislative priorities. She chaired the Senate Education Finance and Policy Committee,
Verbatim
Nelson: “Serving the people of Rochester and southeastern Minnesota has been a great privilege and responsibility. Every constituent call, every heartbreaking story, every town hall, every conversation at a local event reminded me of my purpose and who I was there to serve.”
lectoral history
> 2022: Defeated Democrat Aleta Borrud 57% to 43% in renumbered Senate District 24.
> 2020: Defeated Democrat Aleta Borrud 50% to 49% in renumbered Senate District 26.
> 2016: Defeated Democrat Rich Wright 56% to 43%.
> 2012: Defeated Democrat Kenneth Moen 56% to 44% in renumbered Senate District 26..
> 2010: Defeated Democrat Ann Kunch 55% to 45% in Senate District 30.