John Sterling Persell, Jr. (born 1950) is an American DFL politician who represented District 5A in northern Minnesota, first winning election in 2008.
John Persell | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Member of the Minnesota House of Representatives from the 5A district 4A (2009–2013) | |
| In office January 8, 2019 – January 4, 2021 | |
| Preceded by | Matt Bliss |
| Succeeded by | Matt Bliss |
| In office January 6, 2009 – January 2, 2017 | |
| Preceded by | Frank Moe |
| Succeeded by | Matt Bliss |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1950 (age 73–74) |
| Political party | Democratic–Farmer–Labor |
| Children | 3 |
| Alma mater | Bemidji State University |
Early life, education, and career
editPersell majored in biology at Bemidji State University, and served in the United States Air Force. He was a member of the Beltrami County Soil and Water Conservation Board, and of the Frohn Township Board of Supervisors. Persell is a member of the American Legion Honor Guard, and has worked as a mentor in the STEM Program (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) at Leech Lake Tribal College in Cass Lake.[1][2] He is also a retired water quality specialist and environmental policy analyst for the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe.[3]
Minnesota House of Representatives
editPersell was elected in 2008, running after two-term Representative Frank Moe opted not to seek reelection.[4] He was reelected in 2010, 2012, and 2014.
In 2016 he lost reelection to Republican Matt Bliss. In a rematch in 2018, Persell beat Bliss by just 11 votes.[5] He was chosen to lead the Environment and Natural Resources Policy Committee.[6]
In 2020, he was challenged by Bliss again, and defeated by 1,485 votes.[1]
References
edit- ^ "Project Vote Smart - Representative John Persell - Biography". Votesmart.org. Retrieved 2010-07-20.
- ^ "Vote John Persell I Minnesota House of Representatives District 4A". Johnpersell.com. Archived from the original on 2011-07-13. Retrieved 2010-07-20.
- ^ "Minnesota Legislators Past & Present - Legislator Record - Persell, Jr., John Sterling". Leg.state.mn.us. Retrieved 2010-07-20.
- ^ "Blue man in a Red district: Frank Moe won't seek relection [sic] in 2008". Buildourparty.blogspot.com. 2008-04-20. Retrieved 2010-07-20.
- ^ Enger, John (December 3, 2018). "DFLer John Persell wins after a Minn. House seat recount". Minnesota Public Radio.
- ^ Bierschbach, Briana (November 21, 2018). "House Democrats signal priorities in new committee structure". Minnesota Public Radio.