Brad Tabke (pronounced /tæbk/;[1] born May 11, 1979)[2] is an American politician serving in the Minnesota House of Representatives since 2023, having previously served from 2019 to 2022. A member of the Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party (DFL), Tabke represents District 54A in the southwestern Twin Cities metropolitan area, which includes the city of Shakopee and parts of Scott County.[2]

Brad Tabke
Member of the Minnesota House of Representatives
from the 54A district
Assumed office
January 3, 2023
Preceded byErik Mortensen
In office
January 8, 2019 – January 5, 2021
Preceded byBob Loonan
Succeeded byErik Mortensen
Constituency55A (2019-2020)
Mayor of Shakopee
In office
January 1, 2012 – December 31, 2015
Preceded byJohn Schmitt
Succeeded byBill Mars
Personal details
Born (1979-05-11) May 11, 1979 (age 45)
Political partyDemocratic (DFL)
SpouseKaty
Children2
Residence(s)Shakopee, Minnesota, U.S.
Alma materIowa State University
Occupationconsultant

Early life, education, and career

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Tabke was raised in Moville, Iowa.[3] He attended Iowa State University, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in horticulture.[2]

Tabke owns a consulting firm in downtown Shakopee and is a founder of the Shakopee Diversity Alliance. He is a former member of the Transportation Advisory Board for the Metropolitan Council, former chair of the Shakopee Chamber of Commerce, and former chair of the Shakopee Parks and Recreation Advisory Board.[4] Tabke was mayor of Shakopee, first elected in 2011 and reelected in 2013.[4]

Minnesota House of Representatives

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Tabke was first elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives in 2018, defeating Erik Mortensen, who beat Republican incumbent Bob Loonan in a primary. Tabke lost reelection in 2020 against Mortensen. Tabke ran again and defeated Mortensen in 2022 and is serving his second non-consecutive term.[2]

Tabke is the vice-chair of the Transportation Finance and Policy Committee, and sits on the Agriculture Finance and Policy, Commerce Finance and Policy, and Public Safety Finance and Policy Committees. He also serves as an assistant majority leader for the DFL House Caucus.[2]

Electoral history

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2018 Minnesota State House - District 55A[5]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic (DFL) Brad Tabke 8,984 51.53
Republican Erik Mortensen 8,382 48.07
Write-in 70 0.40
Total votes 17,436 100.0
Democratic (DFL) gain from Republican
2020 Minnesota State House - District 55A[6]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Erik Mortensen 10,926 47.41
Democratic (DFL) Brad Tabke (incumbent) 10,372 45.00
Legal Marijuana Now Ryan Martin 1,706 7.40
Write-in 44 0.19
Total votes 23,048 100.0
Republican gain from Democratic (DFL)
2022 Minnesota State House - District 54A[7]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic (DFL) Brad Tabke 8,243 51.78
Republican Erik Mortensen (incumbent) 6,923 43.49
Legal Marijuana Now Ryan Martin 690 4.33
Write-in 63 0.40
Total votes 15,919 100.0
Democratic (DFL) gain from Republican

Personal life

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Tabke and his wife, Katy, have two children. He has resided in Shakopee since 2003.[4]

References

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  1. ^ "Name Pronunciation Guide for House Members 2023".
  2. ^ a b c d e "Tabke, Brad". Minnesota Legislative Reference Library. Retrieved November 10, 2018.
  3. ^ Juhl, Mary (November 8, 2013). "UPDATE: Tabke crusies to re-election win". Shakopee Valley News. Big Fish Works. Retrieved November 10, 2018.
  4. ^ a b c McKnight, Amanda (June 5, 2018). "Former mayor Tabke to run for Legislature". Shakopee Valley News. Big Fish Works. Retrieved November 10, 2018.
  5. ^ "2018 Results for State Representative District 55A". Minnesota Secretary of State. Retrieved February 22, 2023.
  6. ^ "2020 Results for State Representative District 55A". Minnesota Secretary of State. Retrieved February 22, 2023.
  7. ^ "2022 Results for State Representative District 54A". Minnesota Secretary of State. Retrieved February 22, 2023.
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