About Erik

First elected in 2008 to represent Minnesota’s Third District, Erik Paulsen is committed to bringing hard-working, reform-minded leadership to Congress.

Erik is a leading voice for accountability, transparency and fiscal discipline in the federal government.  He serves on the House Financial Services Committee and has championed initiatives to strengthen small business and end taxpayer bailouts.  He is also focusing on making health care more affordable and more accessible, veterans’ issues, and strengthening American jobs and competitiveness.  Erik serves as co-chair of the House Medical Technology Caucus and is a critical voice in promoting medical innovation and the tens of thousands of jobs these businesses provide in Minnesota.

Erik brings 16 years of business experience to Washington, including work as a business analyst at Target Corporation.

Prior to his election to Congress, Erik served in the Minnesota House of Representatives, and was selected by his colleagues to serve as the House Majority Leader from 2003 to 2007.  Erik also gained experience in public service by working for his predecessor Jim Ramstad as a legislative assistant and director of Ramstad’s Minnesota office.  He attended St. Olaf College and graduated with a degree in Mathematics.

Erik and his wife, Kelly, have four daughters, Cassie, Briana, Tayler and Liesl, and reside in Eden Prairie.