Retiring members give their goodbyes at close of 2026 session

As is tradition, once members have finished months of debating one another over myriad bills, some House members who have opted not to seek re-election said goodbye to the body Monday.

Twenty members took the opportunity to reflect on their careers, share future plans and offer advice for representatives hoping to return in 2027 and people who want to become part of the body.

In order of speeches, here are those who bid adieu:

• Rep. Bernie Perryman (R-St. Augusta) [WATCH]
• Rep. María Isa Pérez-Vega (DFL-St. Paul) [WATCH]
• Rep. Mike Wiener (R-Long Prairie) [WATCH]
• Rep. Ben Bakeberg (R-Jordan) [WATCH]
• Rep. Liz Reyer (DFL-Eagan) [WATCH]
• Rep. Heather Keeler (DFL-Moorhead) [WATCH]
• Rep. Cedrick Frazier (DFL-New Hope) [WATCH]
• Rep. Sandra Feist (DFL-New Brighton) [WATCH]
• Rep. Kaela Berg (DFL-Burnsville) [WATCH]
• Rep. Dan Wolgamott (DFL-St. Cloud) [WATCH]
• Rep. Kristin Robbins (R-Maple Grove) [WATCH]
• Rep. Paul Novotny (R-Elk River) [WATCH]
• Rep. Kelly Moller (DFL-Shoreview) [WATCH]
• House Speaker Lisa Demuth (R-Cold Spring) [WATCH]
• Rep. Peggy Bennett (R-Albert Lea) [WATCH]
• Rep. Ron Kresha (R-Little Falls) [WATCH]
• Rep. Chris Swedzinski (R-Ghent) [WATCH]
• Rep. Joe Schomacker (R-Luverne) [WATCH]
• Rep. Tim O'Driscoll (R-Sartell) [WATCH]
• Rep. Paul Torkelson (R-Hanska) [WATCH]

A full list of the 43 current legislators not seeking re-election or running for another position has been compiled by the Legislative Reference Library.