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 2013-2023. 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.
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) |
On August 22, 2017, Osmek entered the 2018 Minnesota gubernatorial election.[1] Osmek later suspended his campaign in January 2018.[2]
Osmek retired from the senate in 2022.[3] In 2026, Osmek left the Republican party and became an Independent politician.
Early life and education
editOsmek was born in Glencoe, Minnesota.[4] He attended St. Cloud State University, graduating with a B.E.S.[5]
Political career
editMinnesota Senate
editOsmek was first elected to the Minnesota Senate in 2012. Osmek represented District 33 in the western Twin Cities metropolitan area, as a member of the Republican.
In 2021, amid protests for racial justice during the trial of Derek Chauvin, he 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, he served as the 16th President of the Minnesota Senate. Osmek retired from the senate in 2022.[7]
2018 gubernatorial campaign
editOn 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] Osmek later suspended his campaign in January 2018 and supported the Republican nominee.[9]
Post-state legislature
editIn 2026 Osmek announced that he would leave the Republican citing a "corrupt" state party convention.[10]
Personal life
editOsmek 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
edit- ↑ 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.
- 1 2 "Solid and Experienced". David Osmek Volunteer Committee. Archived from the original on 2012-12-18. Retrieved 2013-04-18.
- 1 2 "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
edit- David Osmek at Minnesota Legislators Past & Present
- Senator David Osmek official Minnesota Senate website