Representative Jeff Backer

Jeff Backer is a Republican member of the Minnesota House of Representatives, representing District 9A in west-central Minnesota, including Fergus Falls, Grant, Traverse, and Wilkin Counties, and parts of Otter Tail County. First elected in 2014, he has served continuously since 2015, currently in his sixth term, with strong reelection margins such as 66.3% in 2022 and 65.73% in the 2024 primary.

Born January 3, 1967, in Browns Valley, Minnesota, Jeff Backer Jr. grew up working in his father's mechanic shop and with local farmers, fostering a strong work ethic. He co-founded Backer Wencel, Inc., a web development company employing nearly two dozen people, and serves as a small-business owner. A longtime volunteer emergency medical technician since 1995 with the Browns Valley Ambulance Service, he has also taught Bible study to local youth for over 16 years. Married to Judy with one child, Backer resides in Browns Valley. Notable local service includes Browns Valley School Board member, City Councilor , and three-term mayor, where he led the Westside Floodway Diversion project. In the legislature, he holds key committee roles as Co-Chair of Health Finance and Policy, and serves on Human Services Finance and Policy and Ways and Means. He has taken conservative stances, such as opposing research on aborted fetal organs and calling for investigations into Planned Parenthood.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: B.S. in Chemistry and B.S. in Public Administration, St. Cloud State University .
• Political Experience:
  • Elected to Minnesota House in 2014, defeating DFL incumbent Jay McNamar; reelected every two years.
  • Represented HD 12A ; HD 9A .
  • Prior local roles: Browns Valley School Board, City Councilor , three-term Mayor.