Bakeberg and Olson Announce Bids for Minnesota Senate District 54
By Ryan Dahnert
With Senator Eric Pratt announcing his candidacy for the U.S. House of Representatives in Minnesota’s 2nd Congressional District, two candidates have stepped forward to run for his Minnesota Senate District 54 seat: Representative Ben Bakeberg (R–Jordan) and Rick Olson (DFL–Prior Lake).
Bakeberg formally announced his candidacy on August 14. An educator and current lawmaker, he highlighted his career of public service both in schools and at the Capitol. He pledged to focus on education, affordability for families, and protecting taxpayer dollars.
“From my years as an educator to my time as a current lawmaker, my mission has been simple—serve people,” Bakeberg said in his announcement. “In the Minnesota Senate, I’ll continue to champion common-sense solutions that build strong families, strong communities, and strong schools.”
Bakeberg was first elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives in 2022 and serves as Co-Vice Chair of the House Education Finance Committee. He has worked in public and private education for 24 years, including his current role as middle school principal with Jordan Public Schools.
Olson announced his campaign on August 27 as a DFL candidate for the seat. A former Michigan state representative, Olson has built a career in law, finance, education, and agriculture. He said his motivation comes from concern for future generations and a commitment to protecting Minnesotans’ standard of living.
Olson says, “My wife and I have followed my mom’s mantra to “work hard and get an education” for 54 years, and frankly, we have been able to live the American Dream. But I don’t think our younger generations will have the same opportunities that we have had. That’s why I am running. I don’t like the world we are leaving for our kids and grandkids.”
Originally from Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Olson previously served as a Republican legislator in Michigan before returning to Minnesota in 2014. He said he is running as a DFL candidate because, “The Republican party completely left me. The time is now for us to all stand up and speak up for what we know is right.”
Senate District 54 encompasses Shakopee, Prior Lake, Jordan, and surrounding townships in Scott County. The seat will be on the ballot in the 2026 primary and general elections.