Gary H. Dahms is a Republican member of the Minnesota Senate representing District 15 in southwestern Minnesota, including all or portions of Brown, Lac qui Parle, Lyon, Redwood, Renville, and Yellow Medicine counties. Born January 14, 1947, he was first elected in 2010, succeeding Dennis Frederickson, and reelected in 2012, 2016, 2020, and 2022; his current term ends in 2026, after which he will not seek reelection. Previously, he owned Riverside Motors and an American Family Insurance Agency in Redwood Falls, and served as a Redwood County Commissioner plus various local boards including soil conservation, economic development, and health services. Notable achievements include authoring a statewide reinsurance program reducing health insurance costs, increasing funding for rural nursing homes and assisted living, securing wastewater infrastructure bonds for small communities, and establishing an agricultural education degree at Southwest Minnesota State University. He has held leadership roles such as Chair and Minority Lead of the Commerce and Consumer Protection Finance and Policy Committee, Vice-Chair of Agriculture and Rural Economies and Education Finance Committees, Assistant Minority Leader, and caucus Personnel Committee Chair. His legislative priorities focus on budget, taxes, jobs, and economic development; he is known for opposition to certain brewery expansions and Sunday liquor sales.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Graduated from Redwood Falls High School ; B.S. in Agricultural Business Administration from the University of Minnesota.
• Political Experience:
  • Minnesota Senate: District 21 , District 16 , District 15 .
  • Key committee roles: Chair/Co-Chair/Minority Lead , Vice-Chair .
  • Leadership: Assistant Minority Leader, Senate Republican Caucus Personnel Committee.
  • Prior: Redwood County Commissioner; boards for soil/water conservation, agricultural society, development corporations, regional commissions, rail authority, and health services.