Erik Simonson

Erik Simonson (born May 26, 1968) is a Minnesota politician and former member of the Minnesota Senate. A member of the Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party (DFL), he represented District 7 which includes the city of Duluth in St. Louis County in northeastern Minnesota.

Erik Simonson
Member of the Minnesota Senate from the 7th district
In office January 3, 2017 – January 4, 2021
Preceded by	Roger Reinert
Succeeded by	Jen McEwen
Member of the Minnesota House of Representatives from the 7B district
In office January 8, 2013 – January 3, 2017
Preceded by	redrawn district
Succeeded by	Liz Olson
Personal details
Born	(1968-05-26) May 26, 1968 (age 56) Duluth, Minnesota
Political party	Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party
Children	2
Residence	Duluth, Minnesota
Alma mater	College of St. Scholastica
Occupation	firefighter, legislator

Early life

Simonson was born in Duluth, Minnesota.^[1]

Minnesota legislature

Simonson was first elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives in 2012 representing District 7B and served two terms.

Simonson was then elected to the Minnesota Senate in 2016.

Simonson served on the following committees during his tenure:

• Ranking Minority Member Energy and Utilities Finance and Policy
• Environment and Natural Resources Finance
• Jobs and Economic Growth Finance and Policy

In 2020, Simonson was not endorsed by the DFL and was defeated in the primary election on August 11 to Jen McEwen.^[1]

Personal life

Simonson was an assistant chief for the Duluth Fire Department, retiring after serving as a firefighter for 27 years.^[2] He is married and has two children.^[1]

After leaving his role as a legislator, Simonson became a lobbyist with Saint Paul-based law firm Flaherty and Hood.^[3]