| Senator Jim Carlson was first elected to the Minnesota State Senate in 2006 to represent Senate District 51, which includes Eagan and Burnsville. Carlson is the ranking member on the State Government Finance and Elections Committee and also serves on the Transportation Finance and Policy, Environment and Natural Resources, and Legacy Committees.
Carlson earned his Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Minnesota and his machine design certificate from Dunwoody Institute. He worked in various manufacturing management positions at Ecolab and 3M throughout his career. He has extensive business experience, including budgeting, negotiating, and strategic planning.
In addition to his work-related experience, Sen. Carlson is involved in a variety of community activities. He loves to meet with the students in the FIRST Robotics club, is a member of Easter Lutheran Church, and is a Friend of Caponi Art Park. Carlson is a bike rider, woodworker, classic sports car buff, and gourmet cook.
Carlson grew up on his family's farm which was located where much of Eagan now stands. His wife was a long time and much-loved German teacher at Eagan High School until her retirement. Jim and Gayle have two adult children and one grandson. |