Steve Cwodzinski


Steve A. Cwodzinski is an American politician and member of the Minnesota Senate. A member of the Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party, he represents District 48, including Eden Prairie and Minnetonka, in the western Twin Cities metropolitan area.

Early life, education, and career

Cwodzinski was born and raised in Superior, Wisconsin. Cwodzinski attended the University of Minnesota, graduating with a bachelor's degree in education and, later, a master's degree in education.
Cwodzinski spent more than 30 years teaching government and history classes at Eden Prairie High School. He was recognized with the Presidential Scholar's Influential Teacher Award for his work in the classroom. He published a book, "Beyond the Lesson Plan," about the lessons he learned during his years in the classroom.

Minnesota Senate

Cwodzinski was elected to the Minnesota Senate in 2016, defeating incumbent David Hann, the Republican minority leader, in a close race. After being sworn in to the Minnesota Senate, Cwodzinski was appointed to serve on the E-12 Finance and Policy, Environment and Natural Resources Policy and Legacy Finance Veterans and Military Affairs Finance and Policy and State Government Finance and Policy and Elections committees.

Personal life

Cwodzinski and his wife, Patti, have two grown children and one grandchild and live in Eden Prairie. A self-proclaimed outdoors enthusiast, Cwodzinski has traveled to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness almost every summer since 1979.