Republican Minnesota Rep. Jim Hagedorn died of kidney cancer Thursday night, his wife announced on Facebook.
Hagedorn, age 59, was first diagnosed with kidney cancer in 2019 and announced a recurrence in July 2021. He had undergone treatment at the Mayo Clinic, and doctors removed a kidney in December 2020.
“Jim loved our country and loved representing the people of southern Minnesota. Every moment of every day he lived his dream by serving others. There was no stronger conservative in our state than my husband; and it showed in how he voted, led and fought for our country,” Jennifer Carnahan, also former Minnesota GOP chairwoman, said in a statement. She later confirmed the death to local news station KSTP. (RELATED: Jean Rounds, Wife Of Sen. Mike Rounds, Dies Of Cancer)
Breaking: Minnesota Congressman Jim Hagedorn has died, his wife Jennifer Carnahan wrote on Facebook. He was battling kidney cancer. https://t.co/VlBfOXpsoO
“Jim loved our country and loved representing Minnesota. Every moment of every day he lived his dream by serving others.” pic.twitter.com/wfG1SnibYU
— Caroline Cummings (@CaroRCummings) February 18, 2022
Hagedorn was first elected to Congress in 2018, his fourth campaign. He previously served in several positions in the Department of the Treasury and was the son of Republican Rep. Tom Hagedorn, who represented a neighboring district from 1975-1983. He returned to Minnesota after leaving the Treasury Department at the end of the George W. Bush administration.
“I’m saddened by the passing of my colleague, Jim Hagedorn,” Democratic Minnesota Rep. Dean Phillips said in a statement. “We had different political views but a respectful friendship and a shared love for Minnesota and our country. Condolences to Jennifer and family. May his memory for a blessing.”
“Awful to hear of the passing of our colleague Jim Hagedorn. Jim was a kind, hard-working public servant who was passionate about his community. Our prayers are with his beloved wife Jennifer and their family, friends, and team,” Republican Michigan Rep. Peter Meijer added.
Hagedorn is the fourth member of the 117th Congress to die. Republican Louisiana Rep. Luke Letlow died in 2020, before taking the oath of office. Republican Texas Rep. Ron Wright and Democratic Florida Rep. Alcee Hastings both died in 2021.