District 4 State Senator Kent Eken Still Debating Running for Re-election

St. Paul, MN — With the release of the new District Maps in Minnesota, District 4 State Senator Kent Eken is one of the many legislators weighing the option of running for another term. Several have announced their retirement from politics, including Senator Eken’s comrade in the House, District 4B Representative Paul Marquart. With the new district lines, Eken would still be the incumbent in his Senate seat, but only because last year he moved from his hometown of Twin Valley, which is now in District 1, to a new residence near Audubon. Had he still resided at his family farm, Eken would have been forced to run this fall against the current District 1 incumbent Senator Mark Johnson.

Senator Eken says losing the representation of Norman County in District 4 was a big blow and will weigh on him as he makes his decision whether or not to seek another term.

Senator Eken has served in Senate since the last redistricting in 2013, and also served in the House for 10 years following the 2003 redistricting as well.

He currently serves as the Minority Whip and is the ranking minority member in the Senate Aging and Long Term Care Policy Committee and Agriculture and Rural Development and Finance and Policy Committee.