Dan Wolgamott

Daniel Kirk Wolgamott is an American politician currently serving as a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives, representing District 14B. A member of the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party (DFL), he has been in office since 2019. His district encompasses central Minnesota, including the city of St. Cloud and portions of Benton, Sherburne, and Stearns Counties.

Early life and career

Dan Wolgamott was born on October 24, 1990, in Omaha, Nebraska, where he grew up in the Elkhorn neighborhood. He completed his secondary education at Elkhorn High School. Following high school, Wolgamott pursued higher education at Saint John's University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science. His early interest in politics was evident during his college years, as he gained practical experience by interning in the office of U.S. Representative Tim Walz in 2011. This internship provided him with insights into the workings of government and public service, laying the groundwork for his future political endeavors.

After completing his education, Wolgamott began his political career by running for the Minnesota House of Representatives in 2014, seeking to represent District 14A. Although he was not successful in this initial attempt, losing to Republican candidate Tama Theis, he continued to pursue a political path. In 2016, he ran for the Minnesota Senate in District 14 but again faced defeat, this time to Republican Jerry Relph by a narrow margin of 141 votes. These early electoral experiences contributed to his understanding of the political landscape in Minnesota and helped shape his future campaigns.

Legislative service

Wolgamott's persistence in seeking public office paid off when he was elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives in 2018. Since taking office, he has been reelected every two years, demonstrating a consistent level of support from his constituents. His legislative service has included various leadership roles within the House. During the 2021–22 legislative session, he served as an assistant majority leader for the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party House Caucus, a position that allowed him to play a significant role in shaping party strategy and legislative priorities.

On January 3, 2023, Wolgamott was sworn in as the speaker pro tempore of the House, a role that involves presiding over House sessions in the absence of the Speaker and assisting in the overall management of legislative proceedings. In addition to his leadership responsibilities, he is actively involved in several committees. He serves as the vice chair of the Higher Education Finance and Policy Committee, which focuses on funding and policy issues related to higher education in Minnesota. Furthermore, he is a member of the Capital Investment, Labor and Industry Finance and Policy, and Rules and Legislative Administration Committees, where he contributes to discussions and decisions on a wide range of legislative matters.

Wolgamott's legislative record includes co-authoring significant proposals, such as the "Minnesota Bitcoin Act," which was introduced in April 2025. This act aims to facilitate the use of cryptocurrency for state payments and investments, reflecting a growing interest in digital currencies within the legislative framework.

Policy focus and district

As a representative of District 14B, Wolgamott's policy focus encompasses a variety of issues pertinent to his constituents in central Minnesota. His involvement in higher education finance and policy indicates a commitment to improving access to education and ensuring adequate funding for institutions within his district. This focus aligns with broader trends in Minnesota's legislative priorities, which often emphasize the importance of education in fostering economic growth and community development.

Wolgamott's district includes the city of St. Cloud, which serves as a regional hub for education, healthcare, and commerce. The demographic and economic diversity of the area presents both opportunities and challenges for legislative action. Wolgamott's role in various committees allows him to address these issues effectively, advocating for policies that benefit his constituents and promote regional development.

In addition to his legislative duties, Wolgamott has announced his candidacy for the position of Minnesota State Auditor for the 2026 election, following the incumbent's decision not to seek reelection. This move reflects his ongoing commitment to public service and governance at a higher level.

Wolgamott's personal life includes his residence in St. Cloud, where he lives with his two children. He was previously married to Nicole Wolgamott, with whom he shares his children, but they divorced in 2021. In June 2024, he announced his engagement to Erika Mejía, and they were married in August 2025.

Despite his political achievements, Wolgamott has faced legal challenges. In January 2021, he was cited for abandoning his vehicle on private property, and in July 2023, he was arrested for driving while intoxicated. Following the incident, he pleaded guilty to charges related to the DUI and was sentenced to supervised probation.

Through his legislative service and personal experiences, Dan Wolgamott continues to navigate the complexities of public life while representing the interests of his constituents in Minnesota. His ongoing engagement in state politics and his candidacy for state auditor signal his ambition to further influence Minnesota's governance and policy landscape.