Rep. Norton announces she won't seek re-election in 2016

Rep. Kim Norton (DFL-Rochester) announced Thursday that she will not seek re-election in 2016.

“After 10 years of service in the House of Representatives I have determined that the time is right for me to move on to other endeavors,” Norton said in a statement.

Rep. Kim Norton

Norton currently serves on the House Greater Minnesota Economic and Workforce Development Policy, House Higher Education Policy and Finance, and House Transportation Policy and Finance committees. With the DFL in charge in the 2013-14 biennium, Norton served as assistant majority leader and was vice-chair of the House Health and Human Services Finance Committee.

“I love finding solutions to problems facing our community and state, and found a comfortable place in St. Paul working on policy issues that I had a passion for — especially in areas such as education, children’s health and workforce development,” she said.

In a statement, House Minority Leader Paul Thissen (DFL-Mpls) said Norton will be missed.

“She is a legislator who can get the seemingly impossible done — passing changes to driver training and the seatbelt law which has prevented hundreds of tragic stories in Minnesota, and her work to make sure children with autism get the services they need come to mind immediately.

“She cares deeply about and fights fiercely for her community. Of course, her leadership on issues like the Destination Medical Center will have a lasting impact on Rochester's and Minnesota's future.”