State Senator Bruce Anderson Has Died

(KNSI) — Republican state Senator Bruce Anderson of Buffalo has died.

Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson broke the news, describing Anderson as a dear friend to many at the Capitol and in the City of Buffalo, a loving family man, and a dedicated public servant.

Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle praised Anderson for his work, including Democratic Governor Tim Walz, who said he and his wife, Gwen, “are sending our love to the family and friends of Senator Bruce Anderson. A veteran himself, he was a steadfast advocate for those who served our nation and he will be missed in the Senate chamber.”

Anderson served in the U.S. Navy from 1970 to 1973 and was a member of the Minnesota Air National Guard as a former Master Sergeant.

St. Cloud area Senator Aric Putnam called the loss “sad,” adding, “Senator Anderson’s expertise gained through military service and background in agriculture made him a great champion for farmers, veterans and service members at the Capitol. We will have his family and friends in our hearts.”

Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy served with him in both the House and Senate. The Democrat says she will “fondly remember him for the way he approached this work and treated his colleagues. He was a decent, kind colleague, and a dedicated family man, and I feel fortunate to have known and worked with him.”

Anderson was first elected to the House in 1994 and was reelected every two years through 2010. Before the 2002 legislative redistricting, he represented the old District 19B. He was a member of the House Public Safety Policy and Oversight Committee and the Rules and Legislative Administration Committee. He also served on the Finance subcommittees for the Bioscience and Workforce Development Policy and Oversight Division, the Capital Investment Finance Division, and the Energy Finance and Policy Division.

Anderson was first elected to the Minnesota Senate in 2012.

Anderson was preceded in death by his first wife, Dottie, who died in 2006. He remarried and is survived by his second wife, Ruth, and his five children.

He was 75 years old. Funeral arrangements are pending.

Since Anderson was still in office, a special election will be held at a later date to fill his seat.

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