Paul J. Utke is a Republican member of the Minnesota Senate representing District 5, which includes communities in Becker, Hubbard, Wadena, Cass, Morrison, and Todd counties. Born on December 3, 1956, and raised in North Dakota, he resides in Park Rapids, Minnesota, with his wife Nancy; they have two adult daughters. Utke has built a career in business, including 15 years with Mack Truck dealers, owning a retail hardware and equipment rental store for 16 years, and currently working as an independent insurance agent. He previously served on the Park Rapids City Council starting in 2008 and chaired the Hubbard County Republicans. Notable committee roles include Ranking Minority Member of Health and Human Services, and membership on Higher Education and Human Services committees.

Education and Political Experience

Specific details on formal education are not available in public records. Politically, Utke was first elected to the Minnesota Senate in 2016 , re-elected in 2020 and 2022 , and is currently in his third term . He has served continuously through the 92nd to 94th Legislative Sessions.