Former Congressman Rick Nolan, a notable Democratic figure in Minnesota, passed away on Friday at the age of 80, as confirmed by his wife, Mary Nolan. He died at their residence in Nisswa after struggling with heart-related issues, with paramedics unable to revive him. Mary shared that he had remained quite active right up to his last days, having campaigned for Democratic candidates on the Iron Range recently and spending time preparing their land for deer hunting season.
Rick Nolan’s political journey began when he was elected to Congress in 1974 to represent the 6th District, a region that extended across east-central Minnesota to its southwestern corner. He served three terms but chose not to seek reelection in 1980, a decision influenced by his support for Senator Ted Kennedy over President Jimmy Carter. It would be thirty years before he re-entered the political arena, successfully defeating Republican Rep. Chip Cravaack in 2012 to claim the 8th District seat, which spans from Canada down to the outskirts of the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. Throughout his political career, Nolan faced tough races, notably winning in 2016 despite the district leaning heavily toward Donald Trump during that election cycle. Upon announcing his retirement in 2018, he stated his wish to “pass the baton to the next generation.”
Despite his retirement, Nolan remained involved in politics, serving as the running mate for Attorney General Lori Swanson in her bid for governor that same year. Their campaign was unsuccessful, falling short to current Governor Tim Walz, who paid tribute to Nolan, praising his impactful speeches.
Various political figures have expressed their condolences and shared memories of Nolan. U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar remarked on his unique leadership qualities and his remarkable journey back to Congress after decades, referring to him as the “comeback kid.” She highlighted Nolan’s love for the outdoors, commitment to labor rights, and his enduring connection to his roots. Ken Martin, chair of the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party, emphasized Nolan’s role in advocating for the Northland, stressing his dedication to protecting the interests of working individuals over corporations. Representative Betty McCollum also honored Nolan, portraying him as a dedicated public servant who embodied the spirit of Minnesota, showcasing his personal touches at community events like hot dish competitions and sharing his home-harvested ingredients.
Details regarding funeral arrangements are yet to be announced.