Statement about running for governor: The Minneapolis legislator formally announced that he is a candidate for the DFL endorsement for governor. -- MinnPost, July 23, 2009.

Party: DFL

Current government position: State representative, District 63A

Elected: 2002   

Term: 4th

Occupation: Attorney

Birth date: Dec. 10, 1966

Home: Minneapolis

Education: A.B., Harvard University; J.D., University of Chicago

Website: Paul Thissen for Governor 2010

E-mail: rep.paul.thissen@house.mn

Key issues and priorities: Thissen's priorities involve preparing Minnesota for the needs of its aging population and providing quality education and health care for its residents. Another big issue is sustainability; he recently introduced a bill to to establish a statewide policy that would promote the use of thermal energy. In a June candidates forum, he argued for "places of solitude and quiet in our state" and linked environmental issues with personal health issues. On his campaign website he says, “We need to expand transit statewide much more effectively and do that in ways that fit the various regions that people are living in.”

Political experience: Chair of the Health and Human Services Committee (appointed 2007)

Background articles:

Paul Thissen: The Minnesota Brown Interview

House profile