Brad Tabke

American politician

Brad Tabke

Member of the Minnesota House of Representatives from the 54A district
Incumbent
Assumed office January 3, 2023
Preceded by	Erik Mortensen
In office January 8, 2019 – January 5, 2021
Preceded by	Bob Loonan
Succeeded by	Erik Mortensen
Constituency	55A (2019-2020)
Mayor of Shakopee
In office January 1, 2012 – December 31, 2015
Preceded by	John Schmitt
Succeeded by	Bill Mars

Personal details
Born	(1979-05-11) May 11, 1979 (age 44)
Political party	Democratic (DFL)
Spouse	Katy
Children	2
Residence(s)	Shakopee, Minnesota, U.S.
Alma mater	Iowa State University
Occupation	consultant

Brad Tabke (pronounced /tæbkiː/;^[1] born May 11, 1979)^[2] is an American politician serving in the Minnesota House of Representatives since 2023, having previously served from 2019 to 2022. A member of the Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party (DFL), Tabke represents District 54A in the southwestern Twin Cities metropolitan area, which includes the city of Shakopee and parts of Scott County.^[2]

Early life, education, and career

Tabke was raised in Moville, Iowa.^[3] He attended Iowa State University, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in horticulture.^[2]

Tabke owns a consulting firm in downtown Shakopee and is a founder of the Shakopee Diversity Alliance. He is a former member of the Transportation Advisory Board for the Metropolitan Council, former chair of the Shakopee Chamber of Commerce, and former chair of the Shakopee Parks and Recreation Advisory Board.^[4] Tabke was mayor of Shakopee, first elected in 2011 and reelected in 2013.^[4]

Minnesota House of Representatives

Tabke was first elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives in 2018, defeating Erik Mortensen, who beat Republican incumbent Bob Loonan in a primary. Tabke lost reelection in 2020 against Mortensen. Tabke ran again and defeated Mortensen in 2022 and is serving his second non-consecutive term.^[2]

Tabke is the vice-chair of the Transportation Finance and Policy Committee, and sits on the Agriculture Finance and Policy, Commerce Finance and Policy, and Public Safety Finance and Policy Committees. He also serves as an assistant majority leader for the DFL House Caucus.^[2]

Electoral history

2018 Minnesota State House - District 55A^[5]
Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Democratic (DFL)	Brad Tabke	8,984	51.53
	Republican	Erik Mortensen	8,382	48.07
	Write-in		70	0.40
Total votes			17,436	100.0
	Democratic (DFL) gain from Republican

2020 Minnesota State House - District 55A^[6]
Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Republican	Erik Mortensen	10,926	47.41
	Democratic (DFL)	Brad Tabke (incumbent)	10,372	45.00
	Legal Marijuana Now	Ryan Martin	1,706	7.40
	Write-in		44	0.19
Total votes			23,048	100.0
	Republican gain from Democratic (DFL)

2022 Minnesota State House - District 54A^[7]
Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Democratic (DFL)	Brad Tabke	8,243	51.78
	Republican	Erik Mortensen (incumbent)	6,923	43.49
	Legal Marijuana Now	Ryan Martin	690	4.33
	Write-in		63	0.40
Total votes			15,919	100.0
	Democratic (DFL) gain from Republican

Personal life

Tabke and his wife, Katy, have two children. He has resided in Shakopee since 2003.^[4]

References

^ "Name Pronunciation Guide for House Members 2023".
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e "Tabke, Brad". Minnesota Legislative Reference Library. Retrieved November 10, 2018.
^ Juhl, Mary (November 8, 2013). "UPDATE: Tabke crusies to re-election win". Shakopee Valley News. Big Fish Works. Retrieved November 10, 2018.
^ ^a ^b ^c McKnight, Amanda (June 5, 2018). "Former mayor Tabke to run for Legislature". Shakopee Valley News. Big Fish Works. Retrieved November 10, 2018.
^ "2018 Results for State Representative District 55A". Minnesota Secretary of State. Retrieved February 22, 2023.
^ "2020 Results for State Representative District 55A". Minnesota Secretary of State. Retrieved February 22, 2023.
^ "2022 Results for State Representative District 54A". Minnesota Secretary of State. Retrieved February 22, 2023.