Brad Tabke (pronounced /tæbkiː/;[1] born May 11, 1979)[2] is an American politician serving in the Minnesota House of Representatives since 2023, having previously served from 2019 to 2022. A member of the Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party (DFL), Tabke represents District 54A in the southwestern Twin Cities metropolitan area, which includes the city of Shakopee and parts of Scott County.[2]
Brad Tabke | |
|---|---|
| Member of the Minnesota House of Representatives from the 54A district | |
| Assumed office January 3, 2023 | |
| Preceded by | Erik Mortensen |
| In office January 8, 2019 – January 5, 2021 | |
| Preceded by | Bob Loonan |
| Succeeded by | Erik Mortensen |
| Constituency | 55A (2019-2020) |
| Mayor of Shakopee | |
| In office January 1, 2012 – December 31, 2015 | |
| Preceded by | John Schmitt |
| Succeeded by | Bill Mars |
| Personal details | |
| Born | May 11, 1979 |
| Political party | Democratic (DFL) |
| Spouse | Katy |
| Children | 2 |
| Residence(s) | Shakopee, Minnesota, U.S. |
| Alma mater | Iowa State University |
| Occupation | consultant |
Early life, education, and career edit
Tabke was raised in Moville, Iowa.[3] He attended Iowa State University, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in horticulture.[2]
Tabke owns a consulting firm in downtown Shakopee and is a founder of the Shakopee Diversity Alliance. He is a former member of the Transportation Advisory Board for the Metropolitan Council, former chair of the Shakopee Chamber of Commerce, and former chair of the Shakopee Parks and Recreation Advisory Board.[4] Tabke was mayor of Shakopee, first elected in 2011 and reelected in 2013.[4]
Minnesota House of Representatives edit
Tabke was first elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives in 2018, defeating Erik Mortensen, who beat Republican incumbent Bob Loonan in a primary. Tabke lost reelection in 2020 against Mortensen. Tabke ran again and defeated Mortensen in 2022 and is serving his second non-consecutive term.[2]
Tabke is the vice-chair of the Transportation Finance and Policy Committee, and sits on the Agriculture Finance and Policy, Commerce Finance and Policy, and Public Safety Finance and Policy Committees. He also serves as an assistant majority leader for the DFL House Caucus.[2]
Electoral history edit
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic (DFL) | Brad Tabke | 8,984 | 51.53 | |||
| Republican | Erik Mortensen | 8,382 | 48.07 | |||
| Write-in | 70 | 0.40 | ||||
| Total votes | 17,436 | 100.0 | ||||
| Democratic (DFL) gain from Republican | ||||||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Erik Mortensen | 10,926 | 47.41 | |||
| Democratic (DFL) | Brad Tabke (incumbent) | 10,372 | 45.00 | |||
| Legal Marijuana Now | Ryan Martin | 1,706 | 7.40 | |||
| Write-in | 44 | 0.19 | ||||
| Total votes | 23,048 | 100.0 | ||||
| Republican gain from Democratic (DFL) | ||||||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic (DFL) | Brad Tabke | 8,243 | 51.78 | |||
| Republican | Erik Mortensen (incumbent) | 6,923 | 43.49 | |||
| Legal Marijuana Now | Ryan Martin | 690 | 4.33 | |||
| Write-in | 63 | 0.40 | ||||
| Total votes | 15,919 | 100.0 | ||||
| Democratic (DFL) gain from Republican | ||||||
Personal life edit
Tabke and his wife, Katy, have two children. He has resided in Shakopee since 2003.[4]
References edit
- ^ "Name Pronunciation Guide for House Members 2023".
- ^ a b c d e "Tabke, Brad". Minnesota Legislative Reference Library. Retrieved November 10, 2018.
- ^ Juhl, Mary (November 8, 2013). "UPDATE: Tabke crusies to re-election win". Shakopee Valley News. Big Fish Works. Retrieved November 10, 2018.
- ^ a b c McKnight, Amanda (June 5, 2018). "Former mayor Tabke to run for Legislature". Shakopee Valley News. Big Fish Works. Retrieved November 10, 2018.
- ^ "2018 Results for State Representative District 55A". Minnesota Secretary of State. Retrieved February 22, 2023.
- ^ "2020 Results for State Representative District 55A". Minnesota Secretary of State. Retrieved February 22, 2023.
- ^ "2022 Results for State Representative District 54A". Minnesota Secretary of State. Retrieved February 22, 2023.