Republican House District 30B Representative Paul Novotny Announces he Will Not Seek Re-Election

(KNSI) — Minnesota House District 30B Representative Paul Novotny says he will not seek reelection this fall.

Novotny, a Republican, represents areas in Anoka and Sherburne counties.

In his release on his decision, he said, “For the past 40 years, it has been my immense honor to serve my neighbors — first as a law enforcement officer for 33 years and then as their voice in the Minnesota Legislature for the past seven years. This decision has not come easily. I have loved representing my community and first responders across the state while advocating for common sense in St. Paul.

“However, I feel the Lord is calling me to step away from public office and enjoy retirement with my family, especially as we look forward to welcoming our first grandchild this summer. While it is never easy to step away from something you are deeply passionate about, I know this is the right decision for me and for my family. I leave the Legislature with no regrets and with my head held high, grateful for the opportunity to serve and optimistic about the future of our state.”

Novotny currently serves as the Republican Co-Chair of the Public Safety Committee and sits on the Ways and Means Committee and the Higher Education Finance and Policy Committee. His announcement says throughout his time in the legislature, he has focused on strengthening public safety, supporting first responders, advancing judicial accountability, protecting children, and advocating for the communities he represents.

In recognition of his legislative work, Novotny was named the Minnesota Peace and Police Officers’ Association’s Legislator of the Year in 2024 for his leadership on public safety issues, including legislation addressing carjacking, fentanyl penalties, and officer resources. He was also recognized as a Legislator of Distinction by the League of Minnesota Cities in 2024 and received the Guardian of Small Business award from the NFIB in both 2022 and 2024.

Novotny was first elected to the Minnesota House in a February 2020 special election and is currently serving his fourth term. Prior to that, he served 33 years in law enforcement, retiring from the Sherburne County Sheriff’s Office in May of 2020.

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