Tom Saxhaug (born February 22, 1948) is a Minnesota politician and former member of the Minnesota Senate. A member of the Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party (DFL), he represented District 5, which included portions of Beltrami, Cass, Hubbard, and Itasca counties in the northern part of the state.

Tom Saxhaug
Member of the Minnesota Senate
from the 5th district
3rd (2003–2013)
In office
January 7, 2003 – January 2, 2017
Preceded byBob Lessard
Succeeded byJustin Eichorn
Personal details
Born (1948-02-22) February 22, 1948 (age 76)
Grand Rapids, Minnesota, U.S.
Political partyMinnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party
SpouseNancy
Children2
Alma materSt. Olaf College

Early life, education, and career edit

Saxhaug completed his secondary education at Grand Rapids High School in Grand Rapids and later received a B.A. from St. Olaf College in Northfield. Prior to his election to the Senate, he served on the Grand Rapids City Council from 1995 to 1997, and was an Itasca County Commissioner from 1997 to 2003. He is a retired insurance agent.[1]

Minnesota Senate edit

Saxhaug was first elected in 2002, and was re-elected in 2006, 2010, and 2012.[1] Following redistricting in 2012, Saxhaug was placed in District 5 alongside Republican Senator John Carlson.[2] Saxhaug defeated Carlson on November 6, 2012. He lost re-election to Republican Justin Eichorn in 2016.

Electoral history edit

Minnesota Senate 5th district election, 2012[3]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic (DFL) Tom Saxhaug 21,301 52.33
Republican John Carlson 19,362 47.56
Minnesota Senate 3rd district election, 2010[4]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic (DFL) Tom Saxhaug 18,269 57.76 -7.29pp
Republican Dan McGuire 13,320 42.11 +7.32pp
Minnesota Senate 3rd district election, 2006[5]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic (DFL) Tom Saxhaug 21,226 65.05 +5.06pp
Republican Ted Lovdahl 11,351 34.79 -5.10pp
Minnesota Senate 3rd district election, 2002[6]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic (DFL) Tom Saxhaug 19,917 59.99
Republican J. Mark Wedel 13,242 39.89

Personal life edit

Saxhaug and his wife, Nancy, have two children. Son Tim is a member of Bluegrass band Trampled by Turtles.

References edit

  1. ^ a b "Minnesota Legislators Past & Present - Legislator Record - Saxhaug, Tom". Venus.library.leg.state.mn.us. Retrieved July 20, 2010.
  2. ^ Bierschbach, Briana (October 17, 2012). "Both sides go all out in Saxhaug-Carlson SD 5 duel". Politics in Minnesota.
  3. ^ "Results for All State Senate Races, 2012". Minnesota Secretary of State. Archived from the original on November 10, 2012. Retrieved February 17, 2013.
  4. ^ "Results for All State Senate Races, 2010". Minnesota Secretary of State. Archived from the original on April 26, 2013. Retrieved February 17, 2013.
  5. ^ "Results for All State Senate Races, 2006". Minnesota Secretary of State. Archived from the original on November 10, 2012. Retrieved February 17, 2013.
  6. ^ "Results for All State Senate Races, 2002". Minnesota Secretary of State. Archived from the original on November 10, 2012. Retrieved February 17, 2013.

External links edit