Minnesota State Senator Jeremy Miller (R-Winona) will not seek reelection in 2026. Miller said, “After a tremendous amount of thought and discussion with Janel and the boys, I have made the difficult decision to not seek reelection after my current term ends next year. Other than marrying my amazing wife and the birth of our three wonderful boys, serving in the Minnesota Senate has been one of the most memorable and rewarding experiences of my life.”
Miller was first elected in 2010 at age 26 making him the second youngest Minnesotan in history to be elected to the Senate. Since then, he’s been reelected four times, and at the end of his current term, he will have served 16 years in the Senate. In 2019, at age 35, Miller became the youngest senator in state history to serve as President of the Senate. Besides being Senate President, Miller has held various leadership roles, including Committee Chair, Deputy Majority Leader, and Senate Majority Leader. Miller’s rise to leadership was driven by his determination, perseverance, and ability to build relationships and work with others to get things done.
Miller has many legislative achievements, some of which include housing and workforce opportunities for individuals with disabilities, creating the Rare Diseases Advisory Council, improving early childhood learning opportunities, funding mental health services and housing projects, expanding newborn screenings, adding extra protections for first responders, steadfastly supporting law enforcement, streamlining the college credit transfer process for students, leading the efforts to pass Sunday liquor sales, and advocating for targeted tax relief for hardworking Minnesotans, seniors, small businesses, veterans, and farmers. Additionally, he has championed many local projects across the district, such as Education Village at Winona State University, rebuilding the flood damaged Rushford-Peterson Middle/High School, the Southeast Minnesota Veterans Cemetery, and the new Minnesota Veterans Home in Preston. It is also believed that Miller is the only senator in Minnesota, and possibly the country, to save a constituent from drowning in Lake Winona.
Miller’s unwavering commitment to his constituents combined with his strong focus on finding solutions has earned him many legislative awards over the years. Some of these awards include Legislator of the Year, Outstanding Support for People with Disabilities, Elected Official of the Year, Legislative Champion, Community Brick Builder, Arts All-Star, the Betty Bednarczyk Courage Award, the Council of State Government’s 20 under 40, and the highly prestigious Golden Axe Award from the Minnesota Fire Fighters Association. Additionally, he earned the nickname of the “People’s Senator” (including a championship belt he proudly displays in his office) from legislative staff and colleagues because of his strong insistence on doing what’s best for the people.
When asked about his commitment to public service, Miller said, “There tends to be too much I, I, I, and me, me me, in politics and not enough we and us. My philosophy is simple – listen and work together to get things done. It really comes down to determining what the issue is, bringing people together to discuss different ideas, and working together on solutions to resolve the issue. It should not be about what is best for a political party, but rather what is best for our community, state, and country. It should be all about what is best for the people.”
Miller continued, “Serving in the Senate has been an honor of a lifetime and I’m proud of what I’ve been able to help accomplish for the folks I’m blessed to represent. I ran for the Senate because I wanted to help make a difference and being a member of the Senate has given me a great opportunity to be a difference maker.”
When asked about his future, Miller said, “While I am not shutting the door on future runs for public office, I am going to take a step back for now. I have spent a lot of time away from home during my time in the Senate, and I’m really looking forward to being home more often. I will continue working to grow the businesses I’m involved in as well as volunteering in the community. Most importantly, I’m super excited to spend more time with Janel and the boys as I strive to be the best husband and father I can be.”
Jeremy concluded by saying, “I am incredibly grateful for the trust and support I’ve received from the constituents I have the opportunity to serve. I am also thankful for the talented staff and fellow legislators I’ve worked with during my time in the Senate. I’ve created countless memories and built many wonderful friendships that will extend far beyond my time in the Senate.”