Sen. Bruce Anderson, longtime Republican state lawmaker, dies at 75

State Senator Bruce Anderson, R-Buffalo, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, according to a statement from Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson, R-East Grand Forks.

“I’m saddened to learn Senator Bruce Anderson passed unexpectedly today,” said Johnson. “Bruce was a dedicated public servant, loving family man, and dear friend to many at the Capitol and in Buffalo. We offer our condolences and prayers for comfort for the entire Anderson family.”

Anderson, 75, represented Buffalo and its surrounding communities in the Minnesota Legislature for three decades. Elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives in 1994, the GOP lawmaker won reelection eight times before winning a state Senate seat in 2012. He comfortably won reelection to the chamber in 2016, 2020, and 2022.

During his time in the state legislature, Anderson was heavily involved in veterans issues, serving as chairman of the veterans committees in both the House and Senate. Anderson enlisted in the U.S. Navy just out of high school and later joined the Minnesota Air National Guard. He retired from the National Guard in 2005 as a Master Sergeant.

Raised on a Minnesota dairy farm, Anderson worked in agricultural sales and helped found Buffalo Evangelical Free Church. He is survived by his wife Ruth, eight children, and 12 grandchildren.

U.S. House Majority Whip Tom Emmer paid tribute to Anderson in a post on social media Monday night.

“Jacquie and I are extremely saddened to hear about the sudden loss of our dear friend Bruce Anderson. I served alongside Bruce for many years in the Minnesota House, and he faithfully represented our community in Wright County for many years. Our prayers are with Ruth, the Anderson family, and everyone who is mourning Bruce’s passing,” he wrote.

A press release from the Senate Republican Caucus said the Anderson family has asked for privacy and will release a statement at a later time.

Before Monday, Democrats held a one-seat majority (34-33) in the Senate. However, Sen. Nicole Mitchell, DFL-Woodbury, announced on Monday that she will resign her seat in the coming days following her conviction for first-degree burglary.

As such, Anderson’s passing and Mitchell’s impending resignation mean the Senate will temporarily be comprised of 33 Democrats and 32 Republicans. The two vacancies can only be filled via a special election which must be called by Gov. Tim Walz.

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