ELY — State Rep. Roger Skraba announced this week that he is seeking reelection to continue representing District 3A as a Republican in the Minnesota House.
Skraba, who was born and raised in Ely, was first elected in 2022 and won re-election in 2024.
“I have developed a working relationship in St. Paul that has benefited my district, from Koochiching to Itasca to St. Louis, Lake and Cook counties,” Skraba said.
District 3A is the largest House district in Minnesota, an area Skraba said he has come to know well.
“I’ve driven all over the district these past four years and I’ve met with hundreds of constituents and elected officials during that time,” he said. “I’ve found there are differences just like anywhere else, but there’s so much more that we all have in common. This is the best part of Minnesota, and we can work together to make it even better.”
Skraba currently serves on several House committees, including Capital Investment, Environment and Natural Resources, Transportation, and Housing and Legacy Finance, where he is vice chair. He also serves on the Legislative Citizens Commission on Minnesota Resources.
“Being on Capital Investment is very important for the district. That’s where bonding projects are decided, and I’ve been able to get funding for projects that have made our communities better,” Skraba said.
Skraba has often worked closely with DFL Sen. Grant Hauschild, despite representing a region with split party representation.
“We work together to get things done for northern Minnesota,” Skraba said. “That’s what people want to see, and I call it the three Cs: communicate, cooperate, and collaborate.”
Skraba also serves as vice chair of the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board and chairs the IRRRB Iron Range Higher Education Committee.
“The IRRRB is so important to our area, and when we can reinvest mining dollars in our communities, whether it’s creating jobs or fixing infrastructure, it’s a winning combination,” Skraba said. “I support natural resource extraction, including logging, mining, and gas resources such as helium.”
A U.S. Army veteran, Skraba is a graduate of North Dakota State University and the Blandin Leadership program. He previously served as mayor of Ely and has been involved in elected politics for nearly 25 years.
“I am running to support the growth of our diverse economies in northeastern Minnesota,” Skraba said. “I want to continue to represent our way of life so our school children can stay in the Northland, raise families, and prosper in strong communities.”
