Satveer Chaudhary (DFL-Fridley), a current member of the Minnesota Senate, conceded the primary election for District 50 to challenger and former State Representative Barb Goodwin. The district includes about 70,000 people in all or parts of Columbia Heights, Fridley, Hilltop, St. Anthony, New Brighton, Arden Hills, and Shoreview.
“I congratulate Barb Goodwin on her victory, and wish her the best in her bid for the Senate,” Chaudhary stated, “Our community has privileged me with 14 years wonderful years of service in the legislature, and I am grateful for the time I was given.
“I helped make real change, from conservation to education, and it’s something I’ll always be proud of,” he added. “My family and I are looking forward to a fresh new chapter in our lives.”
During his tenure, Chaudhary set a number of electoral milestones. When first elected to the House of Representatives in 1996, he was Minnesota’s first Asian-American legislator. Just four years later, his election to the Senate made him the state’s first Asian-American Senator, Minnesota’s then-youngest Senator, and the highest ranking Asian-Indian official in the nation.
Watching the election returns, Chaudhary expressed his gratitude and determination.
“The next several years in Minnesota will determine the legacy we leave to our children and the quality of life we provide for our parents and grandparents. I leave the Capitol with my head held high, having promoted the highest standards of truth and decency.”
Despite the loss, Chaudhary expressed pride in his emphasis on positive campaigning and a remarkable volunteer effort, “To my core, I believe we did the right thing, from accepting responsibility for errors to focus on working families issues. I feel truly blessed and wish the best for our community and state.”
Chaudhary also expressed pride in his accomplishments for the outdoors.
“To help pass the Legacy Amendment to Minnesota’s constitution was the privilege of a lifetime,” he said. “I’ve been an avid sportsman all my life, and understand the precious nature of our state’s beautiful lands, waters and wildlife.”
As Senator, the 41 year-old and attorney/small businessman will serve out his term through December. A lifetime resident of Fridley and Columbia Heights graduate, Chaudhary graduated from St. Olaf College and University of Minnesota Law School.
The active role Chaudhary has taken in Minnesota politics is evidence of traits handed down by his parents, who emigrated to the U.S. from India in the 1960s.
“My parents taught me to value education, hard work, and to never forget how we began,” he said.
