Local Representative Elected to Lead in Legislature

Southwest Minneapolis' Rep. Paul Thissen (DFL-Minneapolis) has been elected to one of the top positions in state government—Speaker of the House of Representatives. It's a position that's widely considered to be second in power behind the governor.

Thissen, who represents around half of Southwest Minneapolis on the east side of the Chain of Lakes, was previously the DFL Minority leader in the last legislative session when Republicans held a majority in both halves of the legislature.

According to the Star-Tribune, Thissen promised to break gridlock in state government.

"We face big challenges, but we can meet them if we work together," Thissen told the paper. "It is time to roll up our sleeves and get to work."

In a written statement sent to reporters, Thissen said he would push for "progress on the bread-and-butter issuess facing the state," but did not mention whether he'd be supportive of using the new DFL majority to repeal the state's same sex marriage ban. 

I am honored to have the support of Minnesotans and my colleagues for this opportunity to work to move Minnesota forward. As Speaker of the House, I will work hard and listen to Minnesotans so we can make progress on the bread-and-butter issues facing our state. To move forward, we must work together with Governor Dayton and legislators on both sides of the aisle so we get passed the gridlock and govern effectively. We face big challenges but we can meet them if we work together. It is time to roll up our sleeves and get to work.