John Persell

John Sterling Persell, Jr. (born 1950) is an American DFL politician who represented District 5A in northern Minnesota, first winning election in 2008.

John Persell
Member of the Minnesota House of Representatives
from the 5A district
4A (2009–2013)
Assumed office
January 8, 2019
Preceded byMatt Bliss
Succeeded byMatt Bliss (elect)
In office
January 6, 2009 – January 2, 2017
Preceded byFrank Moe
Succeeded byMatt Bliss
Personal details
Born1950 (age 70–71)
Political partyDemocratic–Farmer–Labor
Children3
Alma materBemidji State University

Early life, education, and career

Persell majored in biology at Bemidji State University, and served in the United States Air Force. He was a member of the Beltrami County Soil and Water Conservation Board, and of the Frohn Township Board of Supervisors. Persell is a member of the American Legion Honor Guard, and has worked as a mentor in the STEM Program (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) at Leech Lake Tribal College in Cass Lake.[1][2] He is also a retired water quality specialist and environmental policy analyst for the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe.[3]

Minnesota House of Representatives

Persell was elected in 2008, running after two-term Representative Frank Moe opted not to seek reelection.[4] He was reelected in 2010, 2012, and 2014.

In 2016 he lost reelection to Republican Matt Bliss. In a rematch in 2018, Persell beat Bliss by just 11 votes.[5] He has been chosen to lead the Environment and Natural Resources Policy Committee.[6]

In 2020, he was challenged by Bliss again, and defeated by 1,485 votes.

References
  1. "Project Vote Smart - Representative John Persell - Biography". Votesmart.org. Retrieved 2010-07-20.
  2. "Vote John Persell I Minnesota House of Representatives District 4A". Johnpersell.com. Archived from the original on 2011-07-13. Retrieved 2010-07-20.
  3. "Minnesota Legislators Past & Present - Legislator Record - Persell, Jr., John Sterling". Leg.state.mn.us. Retrieved 2010-07-20.
  4. "Blue man in a Red district: Frank Moe won't seek relection in 2008". Buildourparty.blogspot.com. 2008-04-20. Retrieved 2010-07-20.
  5. Enger, John (December 3, 2018). "DFLer John Persell wins after a Minn. House seat recount". Minnesota Public Radio.
  6. Bierschbach, Briana (November 21, 2018). "House Democrats signal priorities in new committee structure". Minnesota Public Radio.
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