Bryan Lawrence (politician)

Bryan Lawrence (born June 28, 1970) is an American politician and farmer serving as a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives from district 27B since April 2024.[1] A member of the Republican Party, he represents the northern Twin Cities suburbs, including parts of Anoka, Isanti, Mille Lacs, and Sherburne counties.

Bryan Lawrence
Member of the Minnesota House of Representatives
from the 27B district
Assumed office
April 2, 2024
Preceded byKurt Daudt
Personal details
Born (1970-06-28) June 28, 1970 (age 54)
Coon Rapids, Minnesota, U.S.
Political partyRepublican
Spouse
Marytina
(m. 1995)
Children4
EducationUniversity of Minnesota (BA)
OccupationFarmer

Early life and education

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Lawrence was born on June 28, 1970, in Coon Rapids, Minnesota. His father Doug was an entrepreneur who owned and operated a number of local soil and sod businesses. He graduated from Coon Rapids High School in 1988 and attended the University of Minnesota, where he earned his bachelor's degree in agricultural business administration. Lawrence returned to join his father's business along with his younger brother, Brad.[2]

Political career

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Lawrence first entered politics when he ran for state house district 17B in 1996 and 1998, losing to DFL incumbent Leslie Schumacher.[3][4] He would then be appointed to the Baldwin Township board, where he served for over 20 years. Additionally, Lawrence has served as the chair of the Sherburne County planning and zoning board.[2]

Minnesota House of Representatives

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Following the resignation of representative Kurt Daudt, the former speaker of the state house, a special election to fill the vacancy was scheduled for March 19, 2024. Lawrence announced his candidacy for the seat, earning the endorsement of the state Republican Party at the February nominating convention.[5] He would win the general election with over 80% of the vote.[6]

Lawrence was sworn into office on April 2, 2024, and was assigned to the Children and Families Finance and Policy committee and the Education Finance committee.[1]

Personal life

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Lawrence resides on the family farm in Princeton, Minnesota, along with his wife Marytina and their four children. They are members of the New Life Church, an affiliate of the Assemblies of God USA.[7]

References

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  1. ^ a b "Release: Bryan Lawrence is Sworn in as the new State Representative for District 27B after Special Election". Minnesota House of Representatives. April 2, 2024. Retrieved July 6, 2024.
  2. ^ a b "Lawrence, Bryan - Legislator Record". Minnesota Legislative Reference Library. Retrieved July 6, 2024.
  3. ^ "Canvassing Board Report State General Election | November 5, 1996". Minnesota Secretary of State. November 19, 1996.
  4. ^ "Canvassing Board Report State General Election | November 3, 1998". Minnesota Secretary of State. November 17, 1998.
  5. ^ "Baldwin's Bryan Lawrence wins republican endorsement for District 27B". Union-Times. February 15, 2024. Retrieved July 6, 2024.
  6. ^ Krauss, Louis (March 19, 2024). "Republican wins election to replace Kurt Daudt in Minnesota House". Star Tribune. Retrieved July 6, 2024.
  7. ^ "Our Beliefs". newlifechurchmn.com. Retrieved July 6, 2024.
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Minnesota House of Representatives
Preceded by Member of the Minnesota House of Representatives
from District 27B

2024–present
Incumbent