New DFL co-chairs named for transportation, commerce committees

Two House committees will have new DFL co-chairs for the 2026 legislative session.

Rep. Erin Koegel

Rep. Erin Koegel (DFL-Spring Lake Park) was designated Wednesday as the DFL co-chair of the House Commerce Finance and Policy Committee; Rep. Brad Tabke (DFL-Shakopee) is the new DFL co-chair of the House Transportation Finance and Policy Committee.

The changes come after the resignation of former Rep. Kaohly Vang Her (DFL-St. Paul), who has been elected as the new St. Paul mayor. Her chaired the commerce committee in 2025.

“Kaohly leaves big shoes to fill, but I know Erin will make our caucus proud,” House DFL Caucus Leader Zack Stephenson (DFL-Coon Rapids) said in a statement.

Rep. Brad Tabke

In a statement, Koegel said, “I am honored to be given the opportunity to work to give folks more economic security through protecting consumers, helping out small businesses, and bringing down the cost of living.”

In 2025, Koegel served as the DFL co-chair of the transportation committee and Tabke served on the panel. He was vice-chair of the committee in the 2023-24 biennium.

“In addition to fighting for the people of Shakopee, I look forward to working hard to deliver the safe and reliable transportation system my constituents and all Minnesotans deserve,” Tabke said in a statement.