Rep. Jim Hagedorn. Photo: US House of Representatives
(KWNO)-Rep. Jim Hagedorn has passed away at the age of 59.
“It is with a broken heart, shattered spirit and overwhelming sadness I share my husband Congressman Jim Hagedorn passed away peacefully last night,” Hagedorn’s wife and former Minnesota GOP Chair Jennifer Carnahan wrote on her social media page Friday morning.
Hagedorn was diagnosed with stage four kidney cancer in 2019. He was treated at the Mayo Clinic and shared doctors removed a kidney and cancerous tissue that surrounded it.
In July of last year, Hagedorn announced his cancer had returned. Hagedorn was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2018 and began representing southern Minnesota in Congress in 2019.
Minnesota’s political leaders on both sides of the aisle offered their condolences for Hagedorn’s family Friday morning.
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Congressman Jim Hagedorn. He served the district with honor and he will be greatly missed. Janel and I send our condolences to his family and friends as they mourn this loss,” said Senate Majority Leader Jeremy Miller in a statement.
House Minority Leader Kurt Daudt, R-Crown, issued the following statement regarding the passing of US Congressman Jim Hagedorn.
“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.”
“This morning, along with the rest of Minnesota, I learned that Congressman Jim Hagedorn has passed away.This news came as a shock particularly because Jim had fought his cancer diagnosis so bravely. Always a true patriot, Jim served the people of Minnesota’s First Congressional District to the very end. As a friend of his, I know that the district is so much better for Jim’s service. In the midst of some of the most trying times for our country, Jim always served with courage and strength.”
State Senator Mike Goggin (R-Red Wing) issued the following statement on the passing of Congressman Jim Hagedorn.
“Congressman Hagedorn was as good as they come. He entered public service for all the right reasons, and you won’t find anyone who worked harder or cared more. The world could use more Jim Hagedorns. I am praying for his family and friends.”
My heart goes out to Jennifer and their family and wider circle of friends. My thoughts are also with his constituents who have lost a good man who served them well.”
On his Facebook page, Gov. Tim Walz wrote, “Gwen and I are thinking of Congressman Jim Hagedorn’s family and loved ones today. May they find peace during this difficult time.”
“I’m saddened to hear about the passing of Rep. Hagedorn. He was a fighter for his constituents and a friend to so many, including me. Through his battle against cancer, he showed a level of determination that should inspire us all,” said Sen. Amy Klobuchar in a tweet.
“Jim Hagedorn and I worked on opposite sides of the aisle but both worked to serve the people of Minnesota. No one should be taken away from us at such a young age. Thinking of Jennifer and all Jim’s family,” tweeted Sen. Tina Smith
I’m saddened to hear about the passing of Rep. Hagedorn. He was a fighter for his constituents and a friend to so many, including me. Through his battle against cancer, he showed a level of determination that should inspire us all. My condolences to Jennifer and all his family.
— Amy Klobuchar (@amyklobuchar) February 18, 2022
Jim Hagedorn and I worked on opposite sides of the aisle but both worked to serve the people of Minnesota. No one should be taken away from us at such a young age. Thinking of Jennifer and all Jim’s family.
— Senator Tina Smith (@SenTinaSmith) February 18, 2022
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