[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 58 (Friday, March 27, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E284]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING REP. ERIN KOEGEL
______
HON. ILHAN OMAR
of minnesota
in the house of representatives
Friday, March 27, 2026
Ms. OMAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Minnesota State
Representative Erin Koegel, who will retire from the State Legislature
at the end of her term.
Rep. Koegel was born in Duluth, Minnesota in 1982, and she grew up in
Maple Grove and attended Osseo High School. She graduated from the
University of Minnesota Duluth with a Bachelor of Applied Science in
Psychology and a minor in Political Science. Years later, she continued
her education, earning her Master's in Advocacy and Political
Leadership.
Her educational background along with her commitment to serving her
community primed her for a career in public service. In 2016, Erin was
elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives to represent District
39A, which now encompasses the cities of Fridley, Columbia Heights,
Hilltop, and Spring Lake Park. I was fortunate to have had the
opportunity to work with Rep. Koegel during my time serving in the
Minnesota legislature, and I learned quickly how thoughtful, dedicated,
and strategic she is when it comes to positively impacting her
constituents' lives.
She has served in multiple leadership roles throughout her tenure in
office, including as the Chair of the House Sustainability
Infrastructure Policy Committee in 2023, Co-Chair of the House
Transportation Committee in 2025, and Co-Chair of the House Commerce
Finance and Policy Committee in 2026. Rep. Koegel has worked hard to
improve the lives of everyday people. She has brought federal
investment to Minnesota under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs
Act, passed landmark transportation legislation that invested in roads,
bridges, and transit, expanded worker protections for pregnant and
breastfeeding Minnesotans, and so much more.
My belief in co-governance is made possible through my colleagues at
the state and local level. Rep. Koegel has been a great partner in this
work. Her leadership will be missed, but it will leave a lasting impact
on the community she served for a decade. Please join me in honoring
Representative Erin Koegel for her contributions to Minnesota.
____________________