Gazelka named state senate majority leader, Kresha is house whip

Sen. Paul Gazelka, R-Nisswa, was elected by his Republican colleagues to be the new majority leader of the Minnesota Senate.

Gazelka represents Senate District 9 which includes Todd, Wadena, Cass and Morrison counties.

Gazelka will join House Speaker Kurt Daudt, R-Crown, and DFL Gov. Mark Dayton as key elected officials.

Gazelka is completing his second term in the Minnesota Senate and was re-elected to his third term Nov. 8. 

Rep. Ron Kresha, R-Little Falls, was elected as  the Minnesota House Majority Whip. It is the third most powerful position in the House Republican caucus.

Kresha said the main function of the majority whip is to communicate information to other members of a party caucus during floor debate and prior to votes.

Kresha represents House District 9B, which covers all or parts of Morrison and Todd counties.  He is completing his second term in the Minnesota House and was re-elected to his third term Nov. 8.