Former Minnesota Senate Majority Leader passes away

Former Minnesota Senate Majority Leader Kari Dziedzic has passed away Friday, December 27, following a fight with ovarian cancer. She was 62. A statement from her family said she was surrounded by loved ones.

“Kari will be remembered by her family and those she served for her enthusiastic and humble leadership, which inspired all who knew her,” continued the statement. “She had a heart of gold, willing to go to any measure to help those she loved. Like her father, she was fearless, even as she entered her battle with an ovarian cancer diagnosis in 2023 while serving as Senate Majority Leader. “

Dziedzic graduated from Edizon High School and the University of Minnesota. She served as executive assistant to U.S. Senator Paul Wellstone and was later elected to represent Senate District 60 in January 2012. She was later elected Senate Majority Leader, serving from January 2023 until she stepped down from the role in February 2024.

“Kari Dziedzic was a one-of-a-kind leader, ally, and friend. Humble and dedicated, Kari spent her time finding ways to bring people together and serve Minnesotans. And she was good at it,” said Governor Tim Walz after learning of her Dziedzic’s passing. “No one worked harder or got more done in one session as Majority Leader than Kari did. She was a talented legislator with old-school political savvy and a knack for relationship building. The scope of her work will color Minnesota history books forever. She used her personal experience to improve the lives of others battling a cancer diagnosis, including expanding paid medical leave to all and passing a law requiring insurance to cover wigs for cancer patients. Her legacy should inspire all of us in elected office to be better public servants. Gwen and I are sending love and peace to the Dziedzic family and her Northeast Minneapolis community.”

Senator Amy Klobuchar also reacting to the news saying in part, “She governed with strength and calm and grace and was able to get big things done without political drama. That earned her the respect of her colleagues on both sides of the aisle. Our family’s prayers are with Kari’s friends and family during this difficult time.”