Minnesota GOP Rep. Jim Hagedorn dies after cancer battle

Minnesota GOP Rep. Jim Hagedorn has died after a two-year battle with kidney cancer, according to a statement Friday morning from his wife.

The 59-year-old had served in the House since 2019, winning a district that his father, Tom Hagedorn, represented in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

"Jim loved our country and loved representing the people of southern Minnesota," Hagedorn's wife, Jennifer Carnahan, posted on social media. "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."

Hagedorn in 2018 won the seat held by Democratic Rep. Tim Walz, who vacated it for a successful bid to become governor.

"Jim and I served in the U.S. House during a time of many great challenges for our nation and for our state – and all the while, he bravely endured the personal challenge of cancer treatment with dignity and grace while serving our country and his constituents," said Minnesota Democratic Rep. Betty McCollum.