BREAKING NEWS: Veteran lawmaker to call it quits

Long-time Minnesota state representative John Petersburg has announced he will not seek re-election in this fall’s campaign.

In a statement released today, Petersburg said, “after many weeks of thought, prayer and discussions with my wife, I have decided not to seek another term as the State Representative of House District 19B.”

Petersburg, R-Waseca, was first elected to the house in 2012. He said he initially had anticipated running for 10 years and then stepping down. However, when his wife passed away during his fifth term, he decided he needed to stay busy and continue what he enjoyed most.

Life has changed for Petersburg in recent months. He recently got remarried and last summer he was hospitalized with life threatening infections. But he has since made a complete recovery.

“With these health issues, it allowed me time to reconsider my future and how I want to spend my time,” Petersburg said. “More time with my wife and our family is what I have concluded to be my highest priority.”

Petersburg serves a district that includes Waseca and Steele counties.