Long-serving Minnesota State Senator Ann Rest has declared her intention to retire at the conclusion of her present term, according to an announcement on the Senate DFL website. The Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) representative from New Hope has spent more than 40 years in the state legislature, a tenure punctuated with historic leadership roles and landmark legislative achievements.
With a political career that spans over four decades, Rest's impact on Minnesota's legislation has been both long-lasting and substantial. "Serving in the Minnesota State Legislature for more than 40 years has been the honor of my life, and it will continue to be until my current term ends next year," Rest said, as reported by the Senate DFL. She made a commitment post the 2022 elections to indeed spend more time with her family following the end of this term.
Rest has the distinct honor of being the only legislator in Minnesota to have chaired the Taxes Committees in both the State House and Senate. Notably, she was pivotal in crafting the largest tax-cut package in state history in 2023. The legislation included significant tax rebates, Social Security tax cuts, and funding aimed at alleviating child tax burdens and childcare costs, as well as bolstering public safety measures statewide—a move that led to Minnesota's tax system being rated as the fairest in the nation in 2024 by the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy.
In her announcement, Senator Ann Rest emphasized her efforts to encourage women leaders to consider running for the Senate. Her advocacy and leadership have been commended by colleagues, including Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy, who described Rest as "one of the giants in the Minnesota Legislature," according to the Senate DFL. Murphy added that Rest is known for fostering relationships, caring deeply for the institution, and shaping a tax system centered on fairness and justice.
Senator John Hoffman also praised Rest’s service. As noted in a release from the Senate DFL, Hoffman recognized her for her "steady leadership," along with her advocacy and friendship.
Rest’s constituencies have included the suburban areas of Crystal, Golden Valley, Plymouth, and Robbinsdale. She has been particularly noted for her accessibility through regular listening sessions with constituents. Her decision to retire will close a significant chapter in Minnesota's legislative history as she takes leave to focus on family, leaving behind a legacy of commitment to public service and policy innovation.
