November 17, 2025
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Sen. Steve Cwodzinski to retire in 2026

Sen. Steve Cwodzinski announced he will retire and will not seek reelection in 2026. In a statement thanking constituents in Eden Prairie and Minnetonka, he invoked the Constitution’s “more perfect union” language, and his Senate District 49 is forecast to significantly favor the DFL in 2026.

Local Government Elections

📌 Key Facts

  • Sen. Steve Cwodzinski announced he will retire in 2026.
  • In his statement he thanked residents of Eden Prairie and Minnetonka and invoked the Constitution’s phrase about a “more perfect union.”
  • Alpha News MN reported the announcement on 2025-11-17 in an article titled “Two state senators, author of ‘sanctuary state’ bill announce retirement from legislature.”
  • The Alpha News MN article grouped Cwodzinski’s retirement with another senator’s and noted that the author of the ‘sanctuary state’ bill was among those announcing retirement.
  • The article noted that State Senate District 49 (SD49) “significantly favors” the DFL in 2026.

📰 Sources (2)

Two state senators, author of ‘sanctuary state’ bill announce retirement from legislature
Alpha News MN by Luke Sprinkel November 17, 2025
New information:
  • Cwodzinski issued a new statement thanking Eden Prairie and Minnetonka and invoking the Constitution’s 'more perfect union' language.
  • Article notes SD49 'significantly favors' the DFL in 2026.