US Rep. Hagedorn dies at age 59
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U.S. Rep. Jim Hagedorn, R-Minn. 1st District, has died.
Governor Tim Walz has ordered flags be flown at half-staff on Saturday, Feb. 19 in honor of Congressman Hagedorn.
Hagedorn’s wife and former GOP chairwoman Jennifer Carnahan confirmed the news with 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS Friday morning.
He was 59.
Hagedorn was diagnosed with stage 4 kidney cancer in 2019 and began receiving care at Mayo Clinic in Rochester. He announced he had a kidney removed as well as cancerous tissues surrounding the kidney.
U.S. Rep. Jim Hagedorn.
Then in July 2021, he announced a reoccurrence of his kidney cancer.
Carnahan issued the following statement via social media:
It is with a broken heart, shattered spirit and overwhelming sadness I share my husband Congressman Jim Hagedorn passed away peacefully last night.
Jim loved our country and loved representing the people of southern Minnesota. Every moment of every day he lived his dream by serving others. There was no stronger conservative in our state than my husband; and it showed in how he voted, led and fought for our country.
Jim was a loving husband, son, brother, uncle, cousin, nephew, friend, brother-in-law, son-in-law, Vikings, Penguins and Twins fan and will be missed and remembered by many.
While nothing can accurately prepare you for the unimaginable pain, intense sorrow, suffocating grief and seemingly never-ending emptiness that engulfs the entire body, soul and spirit when your forever love passes away; at least we can smile knowing Jim is smiling from heaven encouraging us to keep chasing our dreams, loving unconditionally and fighting for the country.
Jim Hagedorn, I love you. I miss you. I feel empty without you. I will forever be holding your hand.
Reaction to Hagedorn’s death
Lawmakers and politicians responded Friday to Hagedorn’s death, voicing their condolences.
Reps. Pete Stauber, R-Minn. 8th District; Tom Emmer, R-Minn. 6th District; and Michelle Fischbach, R-Minn. 7th District released the following statement:
“Jim was a dear friend who wanted nothing more than to represent the people of Minnesota’s First District in Congress. He did so every day with an unwavering passion and unshakable joy that brightened the halls of Congress and brought the best of Blue Earth to Washington. Our thoughts are with Jim’s family during this time and we will continue to pray for them. We will miss Jim dearly.”
Minnesota House Minority Leader Kurt Daudt, R-Crown, issued the following statement:
“We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Congressman Hagedorn. He had a big heart and a tremendous passion to serve the district where he and his family have lived for generations. House Republicans send our deepest condolences to his wife Jennifer, all of his family, staff, and loved ones during this difficult time.”
Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-MO) issued the following statement:
“On behalf of the Republican members of the House Committee on Small Business, I send my heartfelt condolences to the family of Congressman Jim Hagedorn. Congressman Hagedorn was a fighter, not only with his battle with cancer but one for the many mom and pop businesses of Minnesota. As Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Underserved, Agricultural, and Rural Business Development, Jim championed legislation to improve resources for small businesses, advocated for rural entrepreneurs, and upheld constitutional values. His work in Congress will continue to uplift small businesses and rural communities for years to come. We are thankful for his many years of public service to our country. He was a great friend to all and will be greatly missed.”
This is breaking news. KSTP is working to get more details and will post updates as more information becomes available.
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