Rick Nolan, who represented Minnesota's 8th Congressional District, dies at 80

MINNEAPOLIS – Rick Nolan, the former DFL congressman who was a “champion for the Northland,” has died at age 80.

Nolan, a Brainerd native, represented the 8th Congressional District between 2013 and 2019. His long political career began when he served as an assistant to then-U.S. Senator Walter Mondale, and he served in the Minnesota House of Representatives before his election to represent the 6th Congressional District in the mid-1970s.

He left politics 1981 Worked in the sawmill and pallet factory business as well as in the export trade business in the north. But he returned in 2012 when he recaptured the 8th Congressional District seat from Republican Chip Cravaack. He was re-elected twice, winning narrow victories over Republican challenger Stewart Mills in what was one of the most popular elections at the time most expensive campaigns in the country.

He was named running mate for governor Lori Swansonbut the couple lost in the 2018 primary.

“Rick Nolan was a Northland champion who fought fiercely to protect working people from corporate interests,” said DFL Chairman Ken Martin. “From Ely to Duluth, he was an ambassador of the DFL belief: 'We all do better when we all do better.'” Our thoughts are with his family and everyone who knew and loved this dedicated public servant.