(Jacob Bruns, Headline USA) Minnesota Rep. Jim Hagedorn has been lost to cancer, Just the News reported.
Hagedorn, may he rest in peace, was 59, and had been fighting kidney cancer for the past two years. He had served in the House of Representatives, serving in the same district as his father, since 2019.
Hagedorn had formed something of a conservative stronghold in an important swing district, which had been formerly occupied by now-Governor and leftist Tim Walz.
Congressman Hagedorn’s wife, Jennifer Carnahan, informed the public of her husband’s passing via social media. She noted his patriotism and his love of his state.
“Jim loved our country and loved representing the people of southern Minnesota,” she wrote.
“Every moment of every day he lived his dream by serving others. There was no stronger conservative in our state than my husband; and it showed in how he voted, led and fought for our country.”
Democrat Minnesota Representative Betty McCollum also offered her best wishes to the Hagedorn family.
“Jim and I served in the U.S. House during a time of many great challenges for our nation and for our state – and all the while, he bravely endured the personal challenge of cancer treatment with dignity and grace while serving our country and his constituents.”
Former President Donald Trump released a statement, sending his condolences to the Hagedorn’s family and praising him for his work in service to the country.
“Congressman Jim Hagedorn was a strong and effective legislator for the great people of Southern Minnesota. I campaigned with Jim in 2018, and enjoyed working with him in Congress,” Trump said.
“May he rest in Peace, and his family find comfort during this difficult time. He will be greatly missed!”
Republicans will now need to look for a replacement who can challenge in the important swing district.