Sen. Keri Heintzeman sworn in, Minnesota Senate back to full strength

ST. PAUL, Minn. (Northern News Now) — With just two weeks to go in the legislative session, the Minnesota Senate is back to full strength.

That’s after Sen. Keri Heintzeman, who represents the Grand Rapids area, was sworn in Tuesday.

Voters chose Republican Heintzeman in a special election for the Minnesota Senate’s District 6 seat last week.

The seat was empty after former state senator Justin Eichorn resigned following a prostitution sting.

Heintzeman lives in Nisswa and will represent parts of Itasca, Cass and Crow Wing counties at the Capitol.

She says she will be practical, grounded and focused on what matters to people.

“I’m deeply grateful to the people of Senate District 6 for trusting me to be their voice in the Senate,” Sen. Heintzeman said. “I’ve run a business, raised a family, and dealt with the same challenges Minnesotans have been facing every day. That’s the perspective I’ll bring to St. Paul -- practical, grounded, and focused on what actually matters to people.”

She’s a mom of six and a small business owner.

Her husband is a state representative for the Nisswa area.

According to the Senate Republican Communications Department, committee assignments for the remainder of the 2025-2026 session will be announced soon.

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