Former U.S. Rep. Rick Nolan Dies at 80

The DFL Rep. is remembered for his spread-out, but impactful, political tenure

DULUTH, Minn. – A figure known for his dedication to the state and district he represented, Former Minnesota Rep. Rick Nolan has died at the age of 80.

Nolan’s first stint in politics lasted from 1969 to 1985, during which he served in the Minnesota and U.S. House of Representatives. His political career wouldn’t resume until several decades later when he was elected to represent Minnesota’s 8th Congressional District in 2013 and serving until 2019.

Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar held a press conference to reflect on Nolan’s life, which as she put it, was always focused on providing a better life for Northern Minnesotans. “He was willing to work across the aisle, but always try to find a common ground while still standing up for, what he cared about,” Senator Klobuchar said. “Northern Minnesota is better because of Rick Nolan. Our state is better, and America is better.”

Jeff Anderson, a former Duluth Councilman, first met Nolan as his competitor in the 2012 DFL primaries for the 8th District. Nolan went on to win the primaries and election, making Anderson his Deputy Chief of Staff from 2013 to 2019. He described Nolan as a true man of the people, “this was the guy who was going to talk to every person in the coffee shop, every person at the grocery store, every person at the hardware store.”

Both Anderson and Senator Klobuchar said they were in contact with the Nolan family and expressed their thoughts and prayers during this time.