Longtime Minnesota state Senator Dave Tomassoni died Thursday night following a long battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
The 69-year-old was first elected to office in Nov. 1992 in the state House of Representatives, moving on to the state Senate eight years later.
His political career came after Tomassoni, who grew up in the Iron Range town of Chisholm, wound up a professional hockey career in Italy.
Two years ago, Tomassoni and fellow state Senator Tom Bakk left the DFL caucus because of what they felt was growing political discourse and polarization.
Reaction is coming in to Tomassoni's death:
State SenatorTom Bakk:
"A true champion for the Iron Range and hard-working men and women across the state. The legacy he leaves is enormous, and his passion for public service benefited countless lives. His selflessness in advocating for ALS research could not save his life but may save the lives of millions who follow in his footsteps. His kindness to me, my wife Laura, and the good times we shared will live with me for the rest of my life. I send my condolences to his family during this difficult time. We lost a giant.”
Senate Republican Leader Jeremy Miller:
“David was a wonderful colleague, friend, and mentor not only to me, but to so many at the Capitol. It was an honor to work with him on the funding for ALS research this past session. I’m hopeful the funding from this bill will help find a cure for ALS and honor David’s legacy. Janel and I send our condolences to the Tomassoni family during this difficult time.”
Minnesota DFL party chair Ken Martin:
"Senator Tomassoni was an institution in the Minnesota Senate, a champion for the Iron Range, and a strong advocate for our schools. While we did not always agree on the issues, I never doubted that Senator Tomassoni was doing what he thought was best for the people of Minnesota. Senator Tomassoni’s boundless courage and wisdom will be missed.”
Tomassoni was diagnosed with ALS last spring.
The disease gradually affected his ability to move around the Senate chamber at the state capitol, but his sons were able to bring him to his desk on the Senate floor when the 2022 session began.
Tomassoni, popular on both sides of the aisle, chaired the Senate's Higher Education Committee in the last legislative session.
He also spent his time advocating for more funding for ALS research.
Word of Tomassoni's death came on Friday from Bakk.
