Minnesota Sen. Kari Dziedzic dies of cancer
Kari Dziedzic (FOX 9)
MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - Minnesota Sen. Kari Dziedzic (DFL-Minneapolis) has died of cancer less than a year after she announced her cancer had returned.
DFL senator from Minneapolis dies
What we know: Dziedzic, 62, died on Dec. 27 while surrounded by family, according to a statement from her family.
She was elected to represent Senate District 60 in January 2012, and served as Senate Majority Leader from January 2023 until she stepped down from the role in February 2024, after her ovarian cancer returned.
In 2024, she got a bill passed to help fellow cancer patients get coverage for wigs. The law takes effect on Jan. 1.
As she was being treated for cancer, she worked remotely during the 2024 legislative session. She never missed a vote.
Dziedzic's death leaves the Minnesota Senate at a 33-33 split.
Dig deeper: Dziedzic was a lifelong "Nordeaster," graduating from Edison High School and the University of Minnesota. Before being elected to the Minnesota Senate, she served as an executive assistant to U.S. Sen. Paul Wellstone and also served roles in Hennepin County.
Her family says she will be remembered for her "enthusiastic and humble leadership, which inspired all who knew her. She had a heart of gold, willing to go to any measure to help those she loved. Like her father, she was fearless, even as she entered her battle with an ovarian cancer diagnosis in 2023 while serving as Senate Majority Leader."
Dziedzic is survived by her mother, Pat Dziedzic, and her five siblings and their spouses, as well as her nieces and nephews, friends and colleagues.
What we don't know: A memorial service has not been announced.
Condolences pour in for Dziedzic's family
What they're saying: Friends and colleagues are sharing their condolences for Dziedzic's family amid her death.
Gov. Tim Walz
Gov. Tim Walz released the following statement: "Kari Dziedzic was a one-of-a-kind leader, ally, and friend. Humble and dedicated, Kari spent her time finding ways to bring people together and serve Minnesotans. And she was good at it. No one worked harder or got more done in one session as Majority Leader than Kari did. She was a talented legislator with old-school political savvy and a knack for relationship building. The scope of her work will color Minnesota history books forever. She used her personal experience to improve the lives of others battling a cancer diagnosis, including expanding paid medical leave to all and passing a law requiring insurance to cover wigs for cancer patients. Her legacy should inspire all of us in elected office to be better public servants. Gwen and I are sending love and peace to the Dziedzic family and her Northeast Minneapolis community."
Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan
Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan released the following statement: "Former Majority Leader Kari Dziedzic was a courageous, hard-working, and selfless public servant – and proud daughter of Northeast Minneapolis. We were all so fortunate to have witnessed her leadership. She led by example, always one of the last people working at night in the Capitol and a consistent fighter for the working class. She leaves a huge legacy – her loss will be felt widely in the legislature and across Minnesota. Tom and I are praying for her family and loved ones. I will miss her terribly."
Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy
Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy (DFL-St. Paul) released the following statement on Saturday: "I am deeply saddened to learn of the death of my dear friend and colleague Senator Kari Dziedzic.
"Kari's loss will echo across Minnesota, felt by her family, friends, colleagues — and by millions of Minnesotans whose lives have been made better by her work on their behalf. For the past year, I have been in awe of her strength as she continued to heroically work — with skill and compassion — as she underwent treatment for cancer.
"Her talents as a consequential and thoughtful leader made us all better legislators, and her examples of kindness humor, and selflessness made us all better people. She was an uncommon leader and touched us all in a great many ways. I will miss her greatly."
Minnesota House Republican Speaker-designate Lisa Demuth
Minnesota House Republican Speaker-designate Lisa Demuth (R-Cold Spring) released the following statement: "My thoughts and prayers are with Senator Dziedzic's family during this difficult time," said Rep. Demuth. "Senator Dziedzic was a thoughtful and respected leader that served her constituents and the people of Minnesota with compassion. I will always remember her tremendous resolve and commitment to public service, even in the face of a difficult cancer diagnosis. Please join me in praying for her family, friends, loved ones, and Senate colleagues as we mourn this loss."
US Sen. Amy Klobuchar
U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar released the following statement: "Kari Dziedzic was an incredible public servant who gave so much to our state. She long served as my state Senator and I got to see firsthand how she listened to and worked with the people in the district and how effective she was. She governed with strength and calm and grace and was able to get big things done without political drama. That earned her the respect of her colleagues on both sides of the aisle. Our family’s prayers are with Kari’s friends and family during this difficult time."
Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman
Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman released the following statement: "I am heartbroken to learn that Senator Kari Dziedzic has passed away. She was a friend, thoughtful leader, and selfless advocate for Senate District 60 and the people of Minnesota. I was so honored to partner with Senator Dziedzic as legislative leaders in 2023. She was one of the most skilled diplomats ever to serve in elected office. Her legacy includes significant achievements in policy and investment in Minnesota, but more importantly she will be remembered for treating people with dignity and respect and never giving up on finding workable compromises. She had an incredible ability to work diligently through the most arcane and difficult policy issues to find resolution. My deepest sympathy goes to Senator Dziedzic’s family and loved ones."
DFL Chair Ken Martin
Minnesota DFL Chair Ken Martin released the following statement: "My heart is with Senator Dziedzic's family and all who knew and loved her. It is impossible to overstate the positive impact that Senator Dziedzic’s leadership has had on our state. She devoted her life to making her fellow Minnesotans’ lives better, and she refused to allow cancer to get in her way. Minnesota has lost a giant, but her extraordinary legacy will outlast us all."