Minnesota Mourns Death Of Iron Range's Sen. David Tomassoni

MINNESOTA — Minnesotans are mourning the death of State Sen. David Tomassoni, originally from Chisholm, who died Friday at the age of 69 after a battle with ALS.

The veteran lawmaker from northern Minnesota’s Iron Range was first elected to the state House in 1992, and then to the state Senate in 2000.

Though he always identified as a Democrat, Tomassoni — along with fellow Iron Ranger Sen. Tom Bakk — left the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Caucus in 2020. From then on, the two caucused with Republicans.

"We lost a giant," Bakk said Friday.

Near the end of his life, Tomassoni pushed forward a $25 million bill to fund ALS research. Gov. Tim Walz signed the bill in the spring.

"Gwen and I are heartbroken to hear of Senator David Tomassoni’s death. We are sending love and strength to his family and so many friends at the Capitol and across the state," Walz said in a statement.

"David was a champion for his constituents, the Iron Range, and all of Minnesota. I am honored to have known him and to have worked together to pass millions of dollars in funding for ALS research and caregiver support last session. His legacy will continue to help people in Minnesota for generations.”

Republican Party of Minnesota Chairman David Hann said that "I remember him as a man with a great sense of humor, rare in the political atmosphere of the State Senate, and a political opponent who never let policy arguments detract from his natural kindness and generosity of spirit."

"David's loss will be felt across the state in many ways and his legacy of service and leadership will leave a lasting impact for years to come," Hann added.

Reporting from the Associated Press was used in this story.