David Osmek
Dave Osmek | |
|---|---|
Official portrait, 2021 | |
| President of the Minnesota Senate | |
| In office January 31, 2022 – January 3, 2023 | |
| Preceded by | Jeremy Miller |
| Succeeded by | Bobby Joe Champion |
| Member of the Minnesota Senate from the 33rd district | |
| In office January 8, 2013 – January 3, 2023 | |
| Preceded by | Gen Olson |
| Succeeded by | Kelly Morrison (redistricting) |
| Personal details | |
| Born | October 11, 1964 Glencoe, Minnesota, U.S. |
| Party | Republican (before 2026) Independent (2026–present) |
| Spouse | Kari |
| Children | 2 |
| Education | St. Cloud State University (BS) |
David Joseph Osmek (/ˈɒzmɛk/ OZ-mek; born October 11, 1964) is an American politician and businessman who was a member of the Minnesota Senate from 2013 to 2023. From 2022 to 2023, he served as the 16th President of the Minnesota Senate. Osmek represented District 33 in the western Twin Cities metropolitan area, as a member of the Republican.
On August 22, 2017, Osmek entered the 2018 Minnesota gubernatorial election.[1] He suspended his campaign in January 2018.[2]
Osmek retired from the Senate in 2022.[3] In 2026, he left the Republican Party and became an independent politician.
Early life and education
Osmek was born in Glencoe, Minnesota.[4] He attended St. Cloud State University, graduating with a B.E.S.[5]
Political career
Minnesota Senate
Osmek was first elected to the Minnesota Senate in 2012. He represented District 33 in the western Twin Cities metropolitan area, as a Republican.
In 2021, amid protests for racial justice during the trial of Derek Chauvin, Osmek introduced a bill that would make people convicted of a crime at a protest ineligible for student loans and other state financial aid.[6]
From 2022 to 2023, Osmek served as the 16th President of the Minnesota Senate. He retired from the Senate in 2022.[7]
2018 gubernatorial campaign
On August 22, 2017, Osmek entered the 2018 Minnesota gubernatorial election. He ran on "Minnesota values" and on a populist message that bucked the party establishment.[8] In January 2018, Osmek suspended his campaign and supported the Republican nominee.[9]
Post-state legislature
In 2026, Osmek announced that he was leaving the Republican Party, citing a "corrupt" state party convention.[10]
Personal life
Osmek is married to Kari. They have two children and reside in Mound, Minnesota, where Osmek served on the city council. He is a project manager.[4][5]
References
- ^ Brian Bakst (August 22, 2017). "Osmek entry pushes GOP governor field to 10". MPR News. Retrieved June 5, 2026.
- ^ The Associated Press (January 8, 2018). "David Osmek says his campaign for Minnesota governor is over". twincities.com. Retrieved January 8, 2018.
- ^ "Osmek announces retirement from the Minnesota Senate". hometownsource.com. 2022-02-24. Retrieved 2024-09-28.
- ^ a b "Solid and Experienced". David Osmek Volunteer Committee. Archived from the original on 2012-12-18. Retrieved 2013-04-18.
- ^ a b "Osmek, David J." Legislators Past & Present. Minnesota Legislative Reference Library. Retrieved 2013-04-18.
- ^ Hendrickson, Samantha. "Proposed bill would make protesters convicted of an offense ineligible for student loans". The Minnesota Daily. Retrieved 2021-04-18.
- ^ "Osmek announces retirement from the Minnesota Senate". hometownsource.com. 2022-02-24. Retrieved 2024-09-28.
- ^ Brian Bakst (August 22, 2017). "Osmek entry pushes GOP governor field to 10". MPR News. Retrieved June 5, 2026.
- ^ The Associated Press (January 8, 2018). "David Osmek says his campaign for Minnesota governor is over". twincities.com. Retrieved January 8, 2018.
- ^ Lindsey Peterson (June 5, 2026). "Former state Senator Dave Osmek says he's done with the Republican Party after controversial state convention". audacy.com. Retrieved June 5, 2026.
External links
- David Osmek at Minnesota Legislators Past & Present
- Senator David Osmek official Minnesota Senate website