Members,

Five years ago, under bittersweet conditions, I was honored to be elected leader of the Senate Republican Caucus.  I have those same bittersweet feelings today as I announce my intention to step aside as your leader.

Outside of my family life, and my faith in God, leading this caucus has been the most rewarding experience of my life.  I am so grateful for what we’ve accomplished together:

• Finding agreement on three consecutive budgets without raising taxes, over the strong objections of both Governors Mark Dayton and Tim Walz.

• Cutting income tax rates for the first time in 20 years in addition to tax cuts for Social Security income and small business and agriculture property taxes.

• Blocking an exhaustive list of policies pursued by the DFL that would have slowed the growth in our economy, taken away rights and freedoms and worst of all, harmed our families.

• Growing the caucus from a razor-thin one vote majority in 2017 to a comfortable working majority through special election victories and by strategically attracting centrist Democrats to join our efforts.

• Building a culture of respect in the organization – respect for members in both parties, staff, lobbyists and the public – solidifying our reputation as the “adults in the room.”

• Raising and spending record amounts in the 2020 election, winning back-to-back Republican majorities in the Senate for the first time in history, even in the face of a strong Democratic wave.

These accomplishments were possible because we stuck to our principles and communicated directly with the people of Minnesota. Again, I’m so very grateful for the work we’ve accomplished together and believe the caucus is in a very strong position to be successful in the 2022 session and the subsequent election.

I plan to be a part of that future success but look forward to letting someone else take over serving as leader while I pursue the next chapter in my political life.

It has been an honor.

Sincerely,

Paul Gazelka