Peggy Bennett

Peggy Bennett
Member of the Minnesota House of Representatives
from the 27A district
Assumed office
January 6, 2015
Preceded by Shannon Savick
Personal details
Born (1958-07-03) July 3, 1958
White Bear Lake, Minnesota
Political party Republican Party of Minnesota
Residence Albert Lea, Minnesota
Alma mater Crown College (B.A.)
St. Cloud State University (M.A.)
Occupation LegislatorTeacher
Religion Christian

Peggy Bennett (born July 3, 1958) is a Minnesota public servant and member of the Minnesota House of Representatives. A member of the Republican Party of Minnesota (R), she represents District 27A in Southern Minnesota, which includes: 95% of Freeborn County, 4 eastern townships in Faribault County, 1 township in the NW corner of Mower County, 2 townships in SW Dodge County, and the City of Blooming Prairie in Steele County.

Early life, education, and career

Bennett grew up in White Bear Lake, Minnesota. She graduated from Mound Westonka High School in Mound, Minnesota. She attended Crown College in St. Bonifacius, Minnesota, graduating in 1980 with a B.A. in Education. She later attended St. Cloud State University, graduating in 1981 with a M.A. in Special Education[1] Bennett got her first teaching job in special education in Albert Lea in 1981. She taught her third year in Wells following a round of cuts, then came back to Albert Lea to teach in a K-1 transition room for special ed. and regular ed. students for seven years before becoming a first-grade teacher. In 2011, Bennett was awarded the Albert Lea Area Teacher of the Year. Bennett taught for 33 years before being elected to the Minnesota Legislature.

Minnesota House of Representatives

Elections

Bennett announced her intention to run for the Minnesota House of Representatives in December 2013 and challenge incumbent Rep. Shannon Savick. During the campaign Bennett prioritized education, agriculture, and the economy. Her campaign slogan was "People Before Politics".[2] Bennett won, defeating incumbent Shannon Savick 53% to 39% by 2,016 votes.[3]

2014 Minnesota State Representative- House 27A[3]
Party Candidate Votes % ±
DFL Shannon Savick (Incumbent) 6139 39.93 -7.77
Republican Peggy Bennett 8155 53.04
Independence Thomas Price 1066 6.93

Tenure

Bennett was sworn in on January 6, 2015.

Committee Assignments

For the 2015-2016 Session, Bennett is Vice-Chair of the Education Innovation Policy Committee.[4] She is also serving on the Education Finance and Agriculture Finance Committees.[5]

Personal life

Bennett is single, but considers her more than 750 students her "kids." She resides in Albert Lea, Minnesota and is active in the community and her church. She served as a volunteer working with struggling, disadvantaged, and troubled youth for many years. She is a member of the NRA and a gun owner. She is also active in the International Shiloh Shepherd Dog Club. She has a dog, Colter, who helped teach her 1st Grade students how to read. Colter was featured on Fox & Friends in June 2014.[6] Besides Colter, Bennett has 2 cats, Kelchi and Mingo.

References

  1. ↑ "Teacher declares candidacy in House District 27A". Albert Lea Tribune. Retrieved November 11, 2014.
  2. ↑ "Peggy Bennett for House 27A". Bennett for MN House 27A committee. Retrieved November 11, 2014.
  3. 1 2 "Results for State Representative District 27A". Minnesota Secretary of State. Retrieved November 11, 2014.
  4. ↑ "Newcomer Bennett hopes to bring education perspective to state House". The Leader. Retrieved December 13, 2014.
  5. ↑ "Area House members named to legislative committees". The Leader. Retrieved December 28, 2014.
  6. ↑ http://video.foxnews.com/v/3619007450001/dog-teaches-first-graders-how-to-read/?#sp=show-clips
Minnesota House of Representatives
Preceded by
Shannon Savick		 Member of the House of Representatives
from District 57A
2015–present 		Incumbent
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