Lien to leave House at end of current term

Rep. Ben Lien (DFL-Moorhead) announced Thursday he will not seek re-election to the House of Representatives.

Lien said in a statement that representing his hometown of Moorhead for the last eight years had been the “opportunity of a lifetime” and thanked his family, friends, supporters and the people of his district for trusting him to get the job done.

“I’m very proud of my accomplishments for Moorhead’s businesses, schools and infrastructure, as well as strengthening mental health parity last year,” Lien said. “I’m also proud of the work my caucus did to get the state’s budget on track, pass marriage equality, and fund early childhood education.  I look forward to spending my final session working on bonding projects that will make Moorhead, Clay County and Minnesota better for all.”

First elected in 2012, Lien served on the House property tax committee for six years and is currently a member of the House Taxes Committee as well as the higher education and Greater Minnesota jobs divisions.