Rich Draheim is a Republican state senator representing Minnesota Senate District 22, which includes communities in Blue Earth, Faribault, Le Sueur, Martin, Rice, Scott, and Watonwan counties. A small business owner from Madison Lake , he has served since 2017, initially in District 20 before District 22 , with his current term ending January 3, 2027. Notable achievements include authoring a $92.7 million mental health package in 2022, advocating for housing affordability and small business empowerment, and receiving awards for those efforts. He serves as Republican Lead on Jobs and Economic Development and holds committee roles on Finance and Housing and Homelessness Prevention. Draheim prioritizes job creation, reduced regulations for farmers and businesses, equitable education funding, government reform, term limits, and healthcare price transparency. He announced he will not seek reelection in 2026 due to his belief in term limits.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Graduated with a degree in Business Administration from Minnesota State University, Mankato.
• Professional Experience: Nearly three decades in business management, including 19 years with John Deere implement dealerships, owning Westwood Marina on Lake Washington, and currently owning Weichert Realtors Community Group of Mankato and the New Ulm Event Center.
• Political Experience: Elected to Minnesota Senate in 2016 , reelected 2020 and 2022 ; active in Hosanna Lutheran Church for 40 years; married to Lynnette with two children in public school.