Representative Tama Theis Offers Parting Comments from House Floor

(KNSI) — Representative Tama Theis wrapped up her time in the Minnesota House Monday after five terms in office for District 14A.

Theis was elected during a special election in 2013 after Representative Steve Gottwalt retired.

In her parting comments from the House floor, Theis said she was surprised at being chosen to run for his seat but trusted her faith to guide her, saying, “I woke up on Friday, January 5th, not having a clue how my world would change that day. My Representative, Steve Gottwalt, had announced that he was going to be retiring and getting a real job. And by four o’clock that afternoon, I was running. And I had no clue. Like we’re talking no clue what this meant. But I said, Yes. I trusted God that this was where I belonged, and I often relied on Esther 4:14, ‘you were born for such a time as this.’ And I hold that to me very often when things are challenging and frustrating.”

The “real job” Theis spoke of was Gottwalt joining the Center for Diagnostic Imaging as its state legislative policy director. He also owns his own business, Steve Gottwalt Consulting LLC.

Theis quoted Carol Burnett in her final comments as Representative for District 14A, singing the ending theme from the show, “‘I’m so glad we have this time together. Just to have a laugh for sing a song. Seems we just got started and before you know it comes the time we have to say goodbye.’ I want to thank you so much for enriching my life. The memories are amazing.”

But instead of it being time to say goodbye, Theis will hit the campaign trail to run for the Minnesota Senate in District 14. Aric Putnam, a Democrat from St. Cloud, currently holds the seat.

Theis wrapped up her time by sharing gratitude for her fellow representatives.

“It’s hard to put 10 years of memories into just a couple of minutes. I have so much love in my heart for this chamber and all those that I see every time I’m here. Everybody. I’ve never felt so safe in a place. Everybody told me when I came in, it’s going to be the best time ever. And some days you’re gonna feel like it’s the worst times ever. But it truly is the best times ever. Thank you so much for the memories. Thank you so much for the work. Thank you so much for how you grew me to be a better person. Thank you.”

Watch her comments by clicking here.

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