Paul Torkelson
Paul M. Torkelson (born July 12, 1952) is a Minnesota politician and member of the Minnesota House of Representatives. A member of the Republican Party of Minnesota, he represents District 16B, which includes all or portions of Brown, Redwood and Renville counties in the southwestern part of the state. He is also a fourth-generation Watonwan County corn, soybean and pork farmer, with family roots in the area since 1878, and a former music teacher.[1][2]
Paul Torkelson | |
|---|---|
| Member of the Minnesota House of Representatives from the 16B district 21B (2009–2013) | |
| Assumed office January 6, 2009 | |
| Preceded by | Brad Finstad |
| Personal details | |
| Born | July 12, 1952 |
| Political party | Republican Party of Minnesota |
| Spouse(s) | Cindy |
| Children | 2 |
| Residence | Hanska, Minnesota |
| Alma mater | Gustavus Adolphus College |
| Occupation | farmer, teacher, legislator |
Early education and career
Torkelson attended Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, earning his BA in Instrumental Music Education in 1974. In 2006, Governor Tim Pawlenty appointed him to the Minnesota Governor's Clean Water Council, a position he held until his election to the House. He is a member of the Minnesota's Deer Hunters Association, a former vice president of the Minnesota Farm Bureau, and a former chair of St. James Health Services.[3][4]
Minnesota House of Representatives
Torkelson was first elected in 2008, opting to run for the seat after incumbent Republican representative Brad Finstad of Comfrey decided not to seek re-election. He was re-elected in 2010, running unopposed, and 2012.[5]