Paul Torkelson

Paul M. Torkelson ( ; born July 12, 1952) is an American politician serving as a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives since 2009. A member of the Republican Party of Minnesota, Torkelson represents District 15B in southwestern Minnesota, which includes the city of New Ulm and all or parts of Blue Earth, Brown, and Redwood Counties.

Early life, education and career Torkelson earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in instrumental music education from Gustavus Adolphus College in 1974.

In 2006, Governor Tim Pawlenty appointed Torkelson to the Minnesota Governor's Clean Water Council, a position he held until his election to the House. He is a member of the Minnesota's Deer Hunters Association, a former vice president of the Minnesota Farm Bureau, and a former chair of St. James Health Services. He is a Lutheran. After the 2024 election, he was appointed Assistant Republican Floor Leader. Torkelson also co-chairs the Ways and Means Committee.

On January 30, 2026, Torkelson announced he was not running for reelection in 2026.

Electoral history