Temperatures will continue to fall over the next few days

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Sen. Katie Sieben, DFL-Cottage Grove, on Tuesday became the latest lawmaker to announce a departure rather than a re-election bid.

The assistant majority leader will leave after three terms in the Senate and two in the House. In a news release, Sieben said she was honored to serve 14 years at the Capitol. The 38-year-old didn't say what would be next for her.

"While my term in the Senate will end, my dedication to the people of Washington and Dakota Counties and the state of Minnesota will continue," Sieben said. She offered a litany of accomplishments, ranging from securing local bridge construction money to banning certain chemicals from baby products sold in the state.

She comes from a family that has had several members serve in the Legislature, including her father, 

, who rose to House speaker during his tenure.

Katie Sieben joins the list of lawmakers looking for a voluntary exit. Eleven of the 67 senators have said they won't run again, with GOP Sen. Branden Petersen of Andover resigning mid-term.

Democrats are in the majority heading into November. Of the six members on their side retiring, four are women.

The list of Senate retirements announced so far:

Politics and Government News

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Brian Bakst

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The list of upcoming departures of sitting lawmakers is growing, meaning many new faces at Capitol after November's election

DFL Sen. Sieben calling it quits after term runs out

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