Schomacker won't seek another term as District 21A representative

District 21A Rep. Joe Schomacker, R-Luverne, announced Wednesday that he does not intend to seek re-election. Schomacker cited the need to focus on his Main Street businesses for not seeking a ninth term.

Schomacker was first elected in 2010 with 54% of the vote. His last election in 2024 garnered the support of 84% of district voters.

In the legislature, Schomacker became known as “the nursing home guy”. He carried dozens of pieces of legislation over his tenure to assure better rates for caregivers of seniors. “Long-term care is a top employer in our district, and my top priority” Schomacker was always pleased to point out.

Water infrastructure became a key area of focus for Schomacker. Working on the cause for clean, reliable source of water was a priority of the district. Highlights included the Lewis & Clark water system and the Red Rock Rural water projects. He also worked to advance rural healthcare, rates for disability services and many other public infrastructure projects that benefitted southwest Minnesota.

Schomacker was elected by his caucus to be an assistant Republican leader during his second term from 2013 to 2014. He served as chairman of the Aging & Long Term Care Committee from 2015-2016, chairman of the Health and Human Services Reform Committee from 2017-2018, Republican Lead of the Health Committee from 2019-2024, and Republican Chair of the Human Services Finance & Policy Committee since 2025.

In 2025, Schomacker received the Legislator of the Year Award from the Minnesota Association of Resources for Recovery and Chemical Health (MAARCH) and the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI) for his ability to work productively in an evenly split legislature.

Campaigning on the theme of “bringing Main Street Common Sense to St. Paul,” Schomacker maintained a passion for rural economic development. To date, he participates in four store fronts in Luverne -- Schomacker Cleaning, Schomacker’s Home Galleries, The Sewing Basket and First Comes Love Bridal Boutique.

District 21A includes all or parts of Rock, Nobles, Pipestone, Murray, Lincoln, and Cottonwood counties.