Schomacker resigns seat as District 21A legislator

After 16 years in office, State Representative Joe Schomacker has stepped down, according to the Minnesota GOP.

Schomacker, a Luverne Republican who represented District 21A, made the announcement last week citing new business opportunities. His resignation went into effect Sunday, June 21.

“It has truly been an honor to represent the residents of southwestern Minnesota for the past 16 years, and I thank them for their support and encouragement,” Schomacker said in a statement.

Schomacker, who was in the midst of his eighth term, had been a representative for southwestern Minnesota since 2010. Since the legislative session is finished and a scheduled election for his seat will take place in November, there won't be a special election for the remaining months. Schomacker commented that remaining duties can be handled by District 21 Sen. Bill Weber, who will also be leaving office at the end of this term.