Update 2/19: On social media, readers have asked how the open congressional seat will be filled for the remainder of the late Jim Hagedorn's 2021-2022 term. Please see our post MN Secretary of State Simon issues statement on Congressional District One Special Election. [end update]
In a Facebook post this morning, former Minnesota Republican Party state chair Jennifer Carnahan wrote:
The entire post:
It is with a broken heart, shattered spirit and overwhelming sadness I share my husband Congressman Jim Hagedorn passed away peacefully last night.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.
Jim was a loving husband, son, brother, uncle, cousin, nephew, friend, brother-in-law, son-in-law, Vikings, Penguins and Twins fan and will be missed and remembered by many.While nothing can accurately prepare you for the unimaginable pain, intense sorrow, suffocating grief and seemingly never-ending emptiness that engulfs the entire body, soul and spirit when your forever love passes away; at least we can smile knowing Jim is smiling from heaven encouraging us to keep chasing our dreams, loving unconditionally and fighting for the country.
Jim Hagedorn, I love you. I miss you. I feel empty without you. I will forever be holding your hand.
Hagedorn announced his kidney cancer had returned in July 2021. In January, he checked into the Mayo Clinic after testing positive for COVID-19.
At the Washington Post, John Wagner reports in Rep. Jim Hagedorn (R-Minn.) dies at 59 after battle with kidney cancer:
Rep. Jim Hagedorn (R-Minn.) died Thursday night following a battle with kidney cancer, his wife announced in a Facebook post on Friday. He was 59.
“It is with a broken heart, shattered spirit and overwhelming sadness I share my husband Congressman Jim Hagedorn passed away peacefully last night,” wrote Jennifer Carnahan, a former chairwoman of the Minnesota Republican Party. . . .
Hagedorn, who was elected to the House in 2018, was diagnosed with stage 4 kidney cancer in 2019 and began receiving care at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., according to KSTP, a St. Paul, Minn., television station.
Hagedorn announced he had a kidney removed as well as cancerous tissues surrounding the kidney, the station reported. In July 2021, he announced a reoccurrence of his kidney cancer.
Statement from Senate Majority Leader Jeremy Miller on the passing of Congressman Jim Hagedorn https://t.co/hspse2GY2N
— Minnesota Senate Republicans (@mnsrc) February 18, 2022
“I'm saddened to hear of the passing of Congressman Jim Hagedorn last night. Our hearts go out to his wife Jennifer and all his loved ones in this difficult time. (1/2)
— Republican Party of Minnesota (@mngop) February 18, 2022
“I'm saddened to hear of the passing of Congressman Jim Hagedorn last night. Our hearts go out to his wife Jennifer and all his loved ones in this difficult time. (1/2)
— Republican Party of Minnesota (@mngop) February 18, 2022
Sad to hear the news this morning of the passing of Congressman Jim Hagedorn. My condolences to Jennifer Carnahan and Jim's extended family on this loss. May you find peace during this time of grief and remembrance. #mnleg @MinnesotaDFL
— Ken Martin (@kenmartin73) February 18, 2022
Hagedorn was still running for reelection as recently as Tuesday, when a spokesperson told us he "looks forward to campaigning for a third term and getting to know the new residents" of redrawn 1st CD. He died Thurs after a long battle with kidney cancer https://t.co/GAFliNXeH5
— Briana Bierschbach (@bbierschbach) February 18, 2022
Our condolences to Carnahan and the Hagedorn family.
There will be a time to consider the electoral and political consequences of Congressman Hagedorn's demise, but this is not that time. Rest in peace, James Hagedorn.
Photo: Jim Hagedorn campaigning in Rochester in 2020.
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