Jeff R. Howe is an American politician and member of the Minnesota Senate, representing District 13 in central Minnesota as a member of the Republican Party. Born on June 15, 1959, in Morris, Minnesota, Howe grew up on a farm near Chokio, Minnesota. He resides in Rockville with his wife, Sheri, and has four adult children: Joe, Melanie, Mitch, and Sam.

Education

Howe graduated from Chokio-Alberta High School and attended St. Cloud State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elective Studies. He is an elder at Gloria Dei Church.

Political Experience

Howe first entered electoral politics at the local level, serving on the Rockville City Council. He was elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives in 2012, representing District 13A, and was reelected in 2014 and 2016. In 2018, he transitioned to the state senate, winning a special election to fill the seat vacated by Michelle Fischbach's resignation to become lieutenant governor. He was reelected to the Senate in 2020 and 2022 and is currently serving his third term representing District 13, which encompasses communities in Stearns and Benton counties.

In the state legislature, Howe has focused particularly on issues related to transportation, public safety, and veterans' affairs. He announced in November 2025 that he would not seek reelection in 2026 and will retire at the end of his term in January 2027.

Military and Professional Service

Howe has an extensive background in public service beyond electoral politics. He served 38 years in the United States Armed Forces, beginning his military career in the Navy as an avionics technician aboard the USS Kitty Hawk. He was deployed to Iran during the Iranian Hostage Crisis and completed two decorated tours in Iraq. He later served in the Minnesota Army National Guard, retiring in 2017 with the rank of lieutenant colonel and the position of deputy commander of the 175th Regiment Regional Training Institute.

Additionally, Howe spent 27 years in the fire service, serving on three departments in various capacities including firefighter, fire marshal, fire and emergency management coordinator, and fire chief, before retiring in 2011. He currently owns and operates a building inspections business.