Bryan Lawrence to seek state House seat

Post now held by Rep. Kurt Daudt, who is resigning effective Feb. 11

by Joni Astrup

Associate Editor

Another candidate has announced he is running to fill the legislative seat being vacated by Rep. Kurt Daudt, R-Crown.

Bryan Lawrence, a longtime Baldwin Township resident, said he is seeking the Republican endorsement for District 27B in the Minnesota House of Representatives.

Travis Ekbom, also of Baldwin Township, announced earlier that he is seeking the Republican endorsement in the race.

District 27B includes Zimmerman, St. Francis, Princeton, and other parts of Sherburne, Isanti, Mille Lacs, and Anoka counties.

Lawrence is a husband and father of four, farmer, township supervisor, and small business operator.

“I’m running for State Representative because the DFL ‘trifecta’ of total control of state government has led to a trifecta of assaults on our central Minnesota way of life,” Lawrence said in a press release. “The carnage of the last session of the legislature included out-of-control tax increases and huge hikes in state spending; legalizing abortion through nine months of pregnancy; and feel good gun control measures that erode the constitutional right to keep and bear arms.”

Lawrence and his wife of 28 years, Marytina, live on the fourth-generation Sherburne County family farm where they raise beef cattle. Lawrence also assists in managing two other family businesses including a home heating oil delivery business and a sod business.

Lawrence’s agricultural experience includes a degree in agricultural business administration from the University of Minnesota, and serving as president of the Sherburne County Farm Bureau, president of the Minnesota Turf Association, and president of the Minnesota Hereford Breeders Association.

“Representative Daudt, and before him, former Representative Sondra Erickson served our communities with distinction while holding fast to the conservative values embraced by their constituents. I will work hard to continue their legacy of conservative leadership,” Lawrence said in the statement.

Lawrence’s government experience includes serving on the Baldwin Township board for over 20 years, including as board chair. During his tenure, he said he has assisted in the development of a volunteer fire department; the establishment of an independent planning and zoning authority, and is currently involved in the process of city incorporation for Baldwin Township. Additionally, Lawrence has served as chairman of Sherburne County Planning and Zoning, as a member of County Board of Adjustment and County Waste Management Committee.

His campaign’s website is at www.lawrenceformn.com.

The House District 27B seat is now held by Daudt, who has announced his resignation effective Feb. 11 — one day before the 2024 legislative session begins.

Daudt was first elected in 2010 and served as Speaker of the House from 2015 to 2019.

Details on the special election to fill Daudt’s seat are to be determined.