Introduction
Bernhard Kent Eken (born December 12, 1963) is a Minnesota politician and member of the Minnesota Senate. A member of the Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party (DFL), he represents District 4, which includes portions of Becker, Clay, and Norman counties in the northwestern part of the state.
Early life, education, and career
Eken attended Twin Valley High School in Twin Valley, then went on to Concordia College in Moorhead, receiving his B.A. in political science and education. He later attended St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, earning his M.A. in history, after which he went on to teach at Saint John's Preparatory School. In addition to his work as a teacher and adjunct college professor, he is also a sugar beets truck driver during the harvest season. His father was Willis Eken, who also served in the Minnesota House of Representatives.
Minnesota House of Representatives
Eken was previously a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives representing District 2A. He was first elected to the House in 2002, and was re-elected in 2004, 2006, 2008 and 2010. He served as an assistant minority leader, and was the DFL lead on the Agriculture and Rural Development Policy and Finance Committee. He was also a member of the Transportation Policy and Finance and the Ways and Means committees. He was chair of the Environment Policy and Oversight Committee from 2007-2010.
Minnesota Senate
In 2012, Eken ran for the newly District 4 after he was placed in the same district as fellow DFLer Paul Marquart. Eken defeated retired football player Phil Hansen in the general election, securing over 52% of the vote.