{{Short description|American politician (born 1958)}} {{Infobox officeholder | name = Peggy Bennett | image = Peggy Bennett.jpg | office = Member of the Minnesota House of Representatives | term_start = January 6, 2015 | term_end = | predecessor = Shannon Savick | successor = | constituency = District 27A (2015–2023)<br>District 23A (2023–present) | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1958|7|3}} | birth_place = White Bear Lake, Minnesota, U.S. | death_date = | death_place = | party = Republican | education = Crown College (BA)<br>St. Cloud State University MA) | website = {{url|house.mn.gov/members/profile/15430|State House website}} {{url|bennett4house.com|Campaign website}} }} '''Peggy Bennett''' (born July 3, 1958) is an American politician serving in the Minnesota House of Representatives since 2015. A member of the Republican Party of Minnesota, Bennett represents District 23A in southern Minnesota, which includes the city of Albert Lea and parts of Faribault, Freeborn, Steele and Waseca Counties.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Bennett, Peggy - Legislator Record - Minnesota Legislators Past & Present |url=https://www.lrl.mn.gov/legdb/fulldetail?id=15430 |access-date=2023-02-19 |website=www.lrl.mn.gov}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Rep. Peggy Bennett (23A) - Minnesota House of Representatives |url=https://www.house.mn.gov/members/profile/15430 |access-date=2023-03-24 |website=www.house.mn.gov}}</ref>
==Early life, education, and career== Bennett grew up in White Bear Lake, Minnesota. She graduated from Mound Westonka High School in Mound, Minnesota; from Crown College in St. Bonifacius, Minnesota, with a Bachelor of Arts in education; and from St. Cloud State University in 1981 with a Master of Arts in special education.<ref name=":0" /><ref name="Teacher declares candidacy in House District 27A">{{cite web | url=https://www.albertleatribune.com/2013/12/teacher-declares-candidacy-in-district-27a/ | title=Teacher declares candidacy in House District 27A | date=3 December 2013 | publisher=Albert Lea Tribune | access-date=November 11, 2014}}</ref>
Before entering politics, Bennett was a first-grade public school teacher in Albert Lea for 33 years.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Scheck |first=Tom |date=October 23, 2014 |title=Dayton turns his attention to helping House candidates |url=https://www.mprnews.org/story/2014/10/22/dayton-campaigns |access-date=2023-03-24 |website=MPR News |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last1=Nehil |first1=Tom |last2=Bierschbach |first2=Briana |last3=Kaul |first3=Greta |date=2016-07-28 |title=The 25 legislative races to watch in Minnesota in 2016 |url=https://www.minnpost.com/politics-policy/2016/07/25-legislative-races-watch-minnesota-2016/ |access-date=2023-03-24 |website=MinnPost |language=en-US}}</ref>
==Minnesota House of Representatives== Bennett was elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives in 2014, and has been reelected every two years since. She defeated one-term DFL incumbent Shannon Savick,<ref name=":0" /> criticizing Savick and Democrats for raising taxes.<ref name=":1" /> During the 2016 Republican Presidential Primary, Bennett joined two dozen state lawmakers in endorsing Florida Senator Marco Rubio.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bakst |first=Brian |date=February 25, 2016 |title=Rubio nets backing from two dozen state legislators |url=https://www.mprnews.org/story/2016/02/25/rubio-nets-backing-from-two-dozen-state-legislators |access-date=2023-03-24 |website=MPR News |language=en}}</ref>
Bennett is the minority lead on the Education Policy Committee and serves on the Education Finance and Veterans and Military Affairs Finance and Policy Committees. From 2015-16, Bennett served as vice chair of the Education Innovation Policy Committee. She was an assistant minority leader from 2019 to 2022.<ref name=":0" />
=== Education === Bennett has called for more local control in education decisions.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pugmire |first=Tim |date=November 19, 2014 |title=New Republicans in the MN House vow to set the agenda |url=https://www.mprnews.org/story/2014/11/19/republicans-minnesota-house |access-date=2023-03-24 |website=MPR News |language=en}}</ref> She opposed efforts to provide free meals to all school children, regardless of family income, calling it a "shotgun approach".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Campuzano |first=Eder |date=January 11, 2023 |title=Free school meals would be standard in Minnesota under proposed legislation |url=https://www.startribune.com/free-school-meals-would-be-standard-in-minnesota-under-proposed-legislation/600242714/ |access-date=2023-03-24 |website=Star Tribune}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Bakst |first=Brian |date=February 9, 2023 |title=As hunger rises in Minnesota, House passes school meals for all bill |url=https://www.mprnews.org/story/2023/02/09/as-hunger-rises-in-minnesota-house-passes-school-meals-for-all-bill |access-date=2023-03-24 |website=MPR News |language=en}}</ref> She supported a bill that would speed up the licensing process for substitute teachers in response to workforce shortages caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, arguing that DFL proposals didn't go far enough.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Campuzano |first=Eder |date=March 2, 2022 |title=Republicans say DFL-backed bill to expedite substitute teacher licensing falls short |url=https://www.startribune.com/house-democrats-push-distance-learning-bills/600149154/ |access-date=2023-03-24 |website=Star Tribune}}</ref> Bennett has spoken against bills to increase recruitment of teachers of color.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Campuzano |first=Eder |date=January 27, 2023 |title=Walz, legislators propose millions in spending to diversify teaching |url=https://www.startribune.com/minnesota-needs-more-teachers-of-color-lawmakers-governor-propose-millions-in-spending-to-do-it/600247159/ |access-date=2023-03-24 |website=Star Tribune}}</ref>
=== Other political positions === In 2018, Bennett authored legislation that passed unanimously creating a "sibling bill of rights" to help children in the foster care system avoid being separated from their siblings.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bierschbach |first=Briana |date=May 29, 2018 |title=Bill of rights will help siblings in foster care |url=https://www.mprnews.org/story/2018/05/29/bill-of-rights-for-foster-kids-help-siblings-stay-connected-with-family |access-date=2023-03-24 |website=MPR News |language=en}}</ref> She supported legislation increasing penalties on distracted driving and on protestors that block freeways.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Harlow |first1=Tim |last2=Smith |first2=Mary Lynn |date=February 2, 2019 |title=Fight against distracted driving in Minnesota focuses on cellphone use |url=https://www.startribune.com/fight-against-distracted-driving-focuses-on-cellphone-use/505252332/ |access-date=2023-03-24 |website=Star Tribune}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Van Berkel |first=Jessie |date=May 9, 2018 |title=Minnesota House passes stronger penalties for freeway protests, despite impassioned opposition |url=https://www.startribune.com/house-passes-harsher-freeway-protest-penalties-despite-impassioned-opposition/482112141/ |access-date=2023-03-24 |website=Star Tribune}}</ref> Bennett has been in contact and worked directly with an anti-LGBTQ group in Minnesota, the "Child Protection League."<ref>{{Cite web |title=Anti-LGBT Activities |url=https://www.splcenter.org/hatewatch/2017/04/03/anti-lgbt-activities |access-date=2023-03-13 |website=Southern Poverty Law Center |date=3 April 2017 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Stultz |first1=Sarah |title=Alden-Conger teacher's teaching material causing controversy |url=https://www.albertleatribune.com/2021/12/alden-conger-teachers-teaching-material-alleged-comments-at-center-of-controversy/ |access-date=12 March 2025 |work=Albert Lea Tribune |date=December 14, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Shea |first=Stephanie |date=2022-03-22 |title=Gender Justice's Letter to Becker Public Schools |url=https://www.genderjustice.us/our-letter-to-becker-public-schools/ |access-date=2023-03-13 |website=Gender Justice |language=en-US}}</ref> She has opposed proposals to raise the gas tax to pay for roads and bridges improvements.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bierschbach |first=Briana |date=2015-05-22 |title=What Greater Minnesota got out of the 2015 legislative session |url=https://www.minnpost.com/politics-policy/2015/05/what-greater-minnesota-got-out-2015-legislative-session/ |access-date=2023-03-24 |website=MinnPost |language=en-US}}</ref> Bennett stated she carries a handgun while at the State Capitol.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Orenstein |first=Walker |date=2021-11-15 |title=Why Minnesota lawmakers — and members of the public — can carry guns almost everywhere at the state Capitol complex |url=https://www.minnpost.com/state-government/2021/11/why-minnesota-lawmakers-and-members-of-the-public-can-carry-guns-almost-everywhere-at-the-state-capitol-complex/ |access-date=2023-03-24 |website=MinnPost |language=en-US}}</ref>
Bennett led House Republican opposition of the Mayo Clinic for its vaccine mandate policy for employees, calling for a halt in state funding for health care facilities that fire employees "due to unrealistic vaccine mandate policies".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bierschbach |first=Briana |date=December 16, 2021 |title=Minnesota House Republicans criticize Mayo Clinic for employee vaccine mandate |url=https://www.startribune.com/minnesota-house-republicans-criticize-mayo-clinic-for-employee-vaccine-mandate/600127703/ |access-date=2023-03-24 |website=Star Tribune}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Star Tribune Editorial Board |date=December 16, 2021 |title=EDITORIAL {{!}} Ethical decision is protecting patients |url=https://www.startribune.com/ethical-decision-is-protecting-patients/600127854/ |access-date=2023-03-24 |website=Star Tribune}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Lopez |first=Ricardo |date=2021-12-16 |title=House GOP leans on Mayo Clinic to call off its vaccine mandate |url=https://minnesotareformer.com/2021/12/16/house-gop-leans-on-mayo-clinic-to-call-off-its-vaccine-mandate/ |access-date=2023-03-24 |website=Minnesota Reformer |language=en-US}}</ref>
== Electoral history ==
{{Election box begin no change | title = 2014 Minnesota State House - District 27A<ref>{{cite web|url=https://electionresults.sos.state.mn.us/results/Index?ErsElectionId=20&scenario=StateRepresentative&DistrictId=407&show=Go|title=2014 Results for State Representative District 27A|access-date=February 17, 2023|website=Minnesota Secretary of State}}</ref> }} {{Election box winning candidate with party link no change | candidate = Peggy Bennett | party = Republican Party of Minnesota | votes = 8,155 | percentage = 53.04 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change | candidate = Shannon Savick (incumbent) | party = Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party | votes = 6,139 | percentage = 39.93 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change | candidate = Thomas Keith Price | party = Independence Party of Minnesota | votes = 1,066 | percentage = 6.93 }} {{Election box write-in with party link no change | votes = 14 | percentage = 0.09 }} {{Election box total no change | votes = 15,374 | percentage = 100.0 }} {{Election box gain with party link without swing | winner = Republican Party of Minnesota | loser = Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party }} {{Election box end}}
{{Election box begin no change | title = 2016 Minnesota State House - District 27A<ref>{{cite web|url=https://electionresults.sos.state.mn.us/results/Index?ErsElectionId=100&scenario=StateRepresentative&DistrictId=407&show=Go|title=2016 Results for State Representative District 27A|access-date=February 17, 2023|website=Minnesota Secretary of State}}</ref> }} {{Election box winning candidate with party link no change | candidate = Peggy Bennett (incumbent) | party = Republican Party of Minnesota | votes = 12,329 | percentage = 61.71 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change | candidate = Gary Schindler | party = Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party | votes = 7,633 | percentage = 38.21 }} {{Election box write-in with party link no change | votes = 17 | percentage = 0.09 }} {{Election box total no change | votes = 19,979 | percentage = 100.0 }} {{Election box hold with party link no change | winner = Republican Party of Minnesota }} {{Election box end}}
{{Election box begin no change | title = 2018 Minnesota State House - District 27A<ref>{{cite web|url=https://electionresults.sos.state.mn.us/results/Index?ErsElectionId=115&scenario=StateRepresentative&DistrictId=407&show=Go|title=2018 Results for State Representative District 27A|access-date=February 17, 2023|website=Minnesota Secretary of State}}</ref> }} {{Election box winning candidate with party link no change | candidate = Peggy Bennett (incumbent) | party = Republican Party of Minnesota | votes = 9,957 | percentage = 56.52 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change | candidate = Terry Gjersvik | party = Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party | votes = 7,651 | percentage = 43.43 }} {{Election box write-in with party link no change | votes = 9 | percentage = 0.05 }} {{Election box total no change | votes = 17,617 | percentage = 100.0 }} {{Election box hold with party link no change | winner = Republican Party of Minnesota }} {{Election box end}}
{{Election box begin no change | title = 2020 Minnesota State House - District 27A<ref>{{cite web|url=https://electionresults.sos.state.mn.us/results/Index?ErsElectionId=136&scenario=StateRepresentative&DistrictId=407&show=Go|title=2020 Results for State Representative District 27A|access-date=February 17, 2023|website=Minnesota Secretary of State}}</ref> }} {{Election box winning candidate with party link no change | candidate = Peggy Bennett (incumbent) | party = Republican Party of Minnesota | votes = 13,416 | percentage = 63.43 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change | candidate = Thomas Martinez | party = Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party | votes = 7,719 | percentage = 36.49 }} {{Election box write-in with party link no change | votes = 16 | percentage = 0.08 }} {{Election box total no change | votes = 21,151 | percentage = 100.0 }} {{Election box hold with party link no change | winner = Republican Party of Minnesota }} {{Election box end}}
{{Election box begin no change | title = 2022 Minnesota State House - District 23A<ref>{{cite web|url=https://electionresults.sos.state.mn.us/results/Index?ErsElectionId=149&scenario=StateRepresentative&DistrictId=399&show=Go|title=2022 Results for State Representative District 23A|access-date=February 17, 2023|website=Minnesota Secretary of State}}</ref> }} {{Election box winning candidate with party link no change | candidate = Peggy Bennett (incumbent) | party = Republican Party of Minnesota | votes = 12,038 | percentage = 65.75 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change | candidate = Mary Hinnenkamp | party = Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party | votes = 6,252 | percentage = 34.15 }} {{Election box write-in with party link no change | votes = 19 | percentage = 0.10 }} {{Election box total no change | votes = 18,309 | percentage = 100.0 }} {{Election box hold with party link no change | winner = Republican Party of Minnesota }} {{Election box end}}
{{Election box begin no change | title = 2024 Minnesota State House - District 23A<ref>{{cite web|url=https://electionresults.sos.mn.gov/results/Index?ErsElectionId=170&scenario=StateRepresentative&DistrictId=399&show=Go|access-date=April 29, 2025|website=Minnesota Secretary of State}}</ref> }} {{Election box winning candidate with party link no change | candidate = Peggy Bennett (incumbent) | party = Republican Party of Minnesota | votes = 15,554 | percentage = 67.75 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change | candidate = Joe Staloch | party = Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party | votes = 7,379 | percentage = 32.14 }} {{Election box write-in with party link no change | votes = 26 | percentage = 0.11 }} {{Election box total no change | votes = 22,959 | percentage = 100.0 }} {{Election box hold with party link no change | winner = Republican Party of Minnesota }} {{Election box end}}
==Personal life== Bennett is single, and resides in Albert Lea, Minnesota.<ref name=":0" />
==References== {{reflist}}
==External links== {{MN-legdb|15430}} *[https://www.house.mn.gov/members/profile/15430 Peggy Bennett] ''official Minnesota House of Representatives website'' *[https://www.bennett4house.com/ Peggy Bennett] ''official campaign website''
{{Minnesota House of Representatives}} {{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Bennett, Peggy}} Category:1958 births Category:20th-century American educators Category:20th-century American women educators Category:21st-century American educators Category:21st-century American women educators Category:21st-century American women politicians Category:21st-century members of the Minnesota Legislature Category:Crown College (Minnesota) alumni Category:Living people Category:People from White Bear Lake, Minnesota Category:Politicians from Albert Lea, Minnesota Category:Republican Party members of the Minnesota House of Representatives Category:Schoolteachers from Minnesota Category:St. Cloud State University alumni Category:Women state legislators in Minnesota