Representative Erik Paulsen has served in the Minnesota House of Representatives since 1994. He represents the city of Eden Prairie, which is located in Hennepin County.

Paulsen has served in several leadership roles during his tenure of public service, including four years as the Minnesota House Majority Leader. He currently serves on the Ways and Means, Taxes, Commerce and Rules committees.

Paulsen’s legislative agenda parallels the initiatives that make Minnesota a great place to live, work and raise a family: a strong economic climate for job growth, a fairly-funded and accountable education system, a well-preserved environment, safe communities, and tax reform for taxpayers and businesses.

As a State Representative, Paulsen has authored key laws that have enhanced and preserved Minnesota’s well-reputed quality of life including:  education equity funding, Wildlife Management Area acquisition, a DNA database for all felony arrests, a Chinese Mandarin curriculum program for Minnesota’s schools, and the Gift of Life income tax credit for organ donors.

For his legislative accomplishments and leadership, Paulsen was honored as an Aspen Institute Rodel Fellow in Public Leadership. He also was selected as a Fellow for the German Marshall Memorial Fellowship program as well as the Young Leaders Forum by the National Committee on U.S. – China Relations. Paulsen has been recognized by the Taxpayers League of Minnesota, National Federation of Independent Business, Minnesota Retailers Association, and is a recipient of the Wildlife Heritage Award.

Paulsen brings 14 years of diverse business experience to the State Capitol. He is currently employed in project management with a Fortune 100 company. He also has in-depth political experience having served as Congressman Jim Ramstad’s legislative assistant in Washington, D.C. and state director.

Paulsen received his BA degree in Mathematics from St. Olaf College. He serves on the Minneapolis Institute of Arts Board of Trustees and is a board member of both the “A Better Chance Foundation” as well as for the “Habitat for Technology” organization.  He is also a volunteer for the Learning Exchange, an organization that assists people with disabilities.

Paulsen lives in Eden Prairie with his wife Kelly and their four daughters.