Tomassoni thanks Minnesota, Iron Range during emotional Senate retirement speech

ST. PAUL, MN -- A state senator who spent 30 years serving the Iron Range was given a standing ovation Sunday as he bid farewell to the state capitol.

State Senator David Tomassoni, an independent from Chisholm, spent time in both the Minnesota House and the Senate over the past three decades, dedicating more than 10,730 days to his constituents.

The 2022 session, however, was his last as he continues to fight ALS, which has taken a serious toll on his nervous system over the last year.

Through a text to speech application on the senate floor, he shared how his service to Minnesota has been one of the greatest honors of his life.

“If you enjoy what you do you will never work a day in your life,” Tomassoni said. “Needless to say, I have enjoyed my work here.”

Tomassoni had a long list of thank you’s, giving special recognition to his colleagues, longtime legislative assistant Laura Bakk, and his family. He also thanked the people of the Iron Range.

“Thank you all again for allowing me to finish my career with dignity and pride,” Tomassoni said.

Tomassoni’s career was capstoned by a pair of bills allocating millions of dollars to both ALS care and research.

He plans to serve the remainder of his term, which ends in January 2023.

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