Steve Gander is a Republican member of the Minnesota House of Representatives, representing District 1B, which includes counties such as Clay, Norman, Polk, and Red Lake. Born on August 27, 1961, he resides in East Grand Forks, Minnesota, works as an optometrist with 37 years of experience in East Grand Forks and Crookston, and is a widower with two children. Elected in 2024, he is serving his first term and holds committee assignments on Agriculture Finance and Policy, Human Services Finance and Policy, and Education Finance.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: University of North Dakota ; Illinois College of Optometry .
• Political Experience: Elected to the Minnesota House in 2025-present ; no prior government service noted.