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Former U.S. Rep. Rick Nolan, who made Ely a frequent stop during his tenure in Congress, has passed away at age 80.
Nolan’s death was confirmed early Friday by Ken Martin, chairman of the Minnesota DFL party, although the date and cause of death were not immediately released.
From 2013-19, Nolan represented Minnesota’s Eighth District in the U.S. House of Representatives, returning to Congress after a better than 30-year hiatus.
He mounted a political comeback in 2012, unseating Chip Cravaack, who two years earlier turned the district red with a stunning upset of the late Jim Oberstar.
Nolan, who hailed from the Brainerd area, survived close races in both 2014 and 2016 against Stewart Mills and opted against another bid in 2018.
At the time of his retirement, Nolan said” “Good politics is about making a positive difference in people’s lives, and together with all of you and a brilliant dedicated staff, we’ve made a real difference for the Eighth District of Minnesota and our great nation Jobs are coming back. Wages are going up. The Iron Range and the Eighth District are on the economic rebound, and our best days are still ahead.”
Nolan was no stranger to Ely during his tenure, regularly meeting with local officials including former mayors Ross Petersen and Chuck Novak and former county commissioner Mike Forsman.
He made numerous stops at the Ely Echo office and employed Ely native Jeff Anderson as an aide.
While siding with Republicans and the Trump Administration on copper-nickel mining, Nolan was a more traditional Democrat on other issues ranging from health care to abortion to support for labor and education.
“Rick Nolan was an incredible friend who dedicated his life to public service and his family. With his thunderous voice and passion for the people, Rick was a one-of-a-kind leader,” U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D) said in a statement released Friday. “He was the comeback kid. He went from being one of the youngest members of Congress to being one of the oldest freshmen when he was sworn in again at 69. He was the consummate outdoorsman, friend of labor, and he never forgot where he came from. John and my thoughts and prayers are with Mary and his family.”
