Minnesota Senator David Tomassoni dies after battle with ALS

ST. PAUL, Minn. (KTTC) – It was announced Friday that Minnesota Senator David Tomassoni passed away.

Senator Tomassoni revealed his ALS diagnosis and continued to serve his district through the 2021 session.

He made it his priority to pass a bill that provides $20 million in grants to support ALS research, and $5 million in grants to support ALS caregivers. The bill passed unanimously in the Senate, passed in the House, and was signed by the Governor this year.

Minnesota leaders are releasing statements in response to the Senator’s passing.

Governor Tim Walz released the following statement:

Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan released the following statement:

Chairman David Hann released the following statement:

“My heart is heavy at the passing of my friend and colleague Senator David Tomassoni. We served together in the State Senate for years and though we were often on different sides of issues, he was always gracious and represented his constituents with passion and skill. 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.
Toward the end of his career, David led the charge to bolster funding and caregiving for those suffering from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), the horrific disease which eventually took him from us far too soon. 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.”
Republican Party of Minnesota Chairman David Hann

Senator Tom Bakk released the following statement:

Senate Majority Leader Jeremy Miller released the following statement:

Senator Amy Klobuchar released the following statement and tweeted a photo of the two:

“David Tomassoni will be remembered as a wonderful friend, an incredible Olympian, and a fighter for the Iron Range. For decades, he worked every day to deliver real results for workers and families—like bringing good-paying jobs to his district, improving schools, and advocating for safe conditions for miners. David battled ALS to the end and even participated in a committee hearing via video this week. He never stopped working for Northern Minnesota.
There may be no better example of David’s dedication to public service than the letter he shared with his constituents following his ALS diagnosis. He wrote, “I give you my word that my brain and my body will continue to represent you with the same passion and vigor I’ve tried to give in the past.” Even through the greatest battle of his life, David lived up to his promise to serve. I will miss his good humor and the twinkle in his eye. I will miss his funny texts and phone calls. Like his family, I find solace in knowing he fought the good fight and will now be at peace.”
Senator Amy Klobuchar

Just found out we lost my good friend MN Senator David Tomassoni. He started out as a star hockey 🏒 player, ran for office, and got so much done for his beloved Iron Range. He fought ALS to the end and never stopped working. He now will be at peace. Love to his family. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/wg38SmXyMF
— Amy Klobuchar (@amyklobuchar) August 12, 2022

Minnesota Senator David Tomassoni dies after battle with ALS

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