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    Jennings, David M. "Dave"

    Sessions Served    Other Information

    House 1979-82 (District 27B); House 1983-86 (District 29A)

    Party when first elected:  Independent Republican

    Counties Served:  Martin, Watonwan

    BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION

    Date of Birth: 12/17/1948
    Birth Place: Truman, Minnesota
    Birth County: Martin
    Birth Country: United States
    Date of Death: 5/21/2023
    Gender: Male
    Religion:
    Reported Minority: None Reported
    Other Names: Dave
    City of Residence (when first elected): Truman
    Occupation (when first elected): Small Construction/Self-Employed

    EDUCATION

    Truman High School; Secondary; 1966
    Mankato State University; B.S.; Political Science, Magna Cum Laude, 1976
    University of Florida, Law School; Attended Law School; Dropped Out, 1977

    OTHER GOVERNMENT SERVICE

    Military: United States Marine Corps (Sergeant, 5 years); 19?? to 1972
    U.S. Legislative Staff/Council/Commission: United States House of Representatives (District Representative for United States Representative Tom Hagedorn); 1977 to 1977
    State Agency: Minnesota Department of Commerce (Commissioner); 01/1999 to 08/06/1999 [Appointed]
    School Board/Administration: Minneapolis School District, Minnesota (Interim Superintendent of Schools); 01/2002 to 10/2003 [Appointed]
    State Board/Commission/Council: Minnesota Historical Society (Deputy Director of Operations); 09/13/2004 to 2005
    School Board/Administration: Chaska School District 112, Minnesota (Superintendent of Schools); 07/01/2005 to 06/30/2010

    FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS

    Spouse: Lea (when first elected, divorced in 1985); Susan (Sue) Chesley (married in November 1986)
    Children: One child: John Thomas (J.T.) (son)
    Family Members Who Have Served in the Minnesota Legislature:

    GENERAL NOTES

    He sought the Independent Republican endorsement for Governor of Minnesota in the 1982 and 1986 elections. He lost the 1986 endorsement to Cal Ludeman.

    Most recent term photo
    Click to view
    Total Days Served: 2925

    SESSIONS SERVED

    74th Legislative Session (1985-1986)

      Session Details
    Body: House
    District: 29A
    Elected: 11/6/1984
    Residence: Truman
    Term of Office: 1/8/1985 to 1/5/1987
    Counties Represented: Martin, Watonwan
    Occupation: Carpenter
    Party: Independent Republican
    Committees:
    • Budget (Chair)
    • Rules and Legislative Administration
    Leadership Position: Speaker of the House
    term photo
    Click to view

    73rd Legislative Session (1983-1984)

      Session Details
    Body: House
    District: 29A
    Elected: 11/2/1982
    Residence: Truman
    Term of Office: 1/4/1983 to 1/7/1985
    Counties Represented: Martin, Watonwan
    Occupation: Carpenter
    Party: Independent Republican
    Committees:
    • Education
    • Education: Education Finance Division
    • Rules and Legislative Administration
    • Rules and Legislative Administration: Permanent Rules
    Leadership Position: Minority Leader

    72nd Legislative Session (1981-1982)

      Session Details
    Body: House
    District: 27B
    Elected: 11/4/1980
    Residence: Truman
    Term of Office: 1/6/1981 to 1/3/1983
    Counties Represented: Martin, Watonwan
    Occupation: Carpenter
    Party: Independent Republican
    Committees:
    • Education
    • Education: School Aids Division
    • Energy
    • Reapportionment and Elections
    Leadership Position: Minority Leader
    Leadership Notes: He was elected Minority Leader by his caucus in 1982 after Glen Sherwood resigned.
    term photo
    Click to view

    71st Legislative Session (1979-1980)

      Session Details
    Body: House
    District: 27B
    Elected: 11/7/1978
    Residence: Truman
    Term of Office: 1/3/1979 to 1/5/1981
    Counties Represented: Martin, Watonwan
    Occupation: Small Construction/Self-Employed
    Party: Independent Republican
    Committees:
    • Criminal Justice
    • Criminal Justice: Law Enforcement and Corrections
    • Education
    • Education: School Aids Division
    • Financial Institutions and Insurance
    • Financial Institutions and Insurance: Insurance

    OTHER INFORMATION

    Articles & Books About
    Olson, Rochelle. "David Jennings 1948-2023: Ex-GOP leader had a style all his own." Star Tribune, June 3, 2023, p. B1 & B8.

    "Jennings, David Michael." Star Tribune, June 4, 2023, p.B9.


    These files are available in the Legislative Reference Library.

    The Minnesota Legislative Reference Library has collected newspaper articles on legislators since 1973. They are available in the Library.

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