This story was originally published by KAXE.
ST. PAUL — Minnesota State Auditor Julie Blaha announced Thursday, Sept. 4, she will not seek reelection for a third term.
“My goals were to rebuild an office that was under attack and protect Minnesotans’ rights to make decisions in their local communities,” Blaha stated in a news release. “I am proud to have accomplished those goals. Because the Office of the State Auditor [OSA] is in a strong position, 2027 will be the time to give that opportunity to someone new.”
Blaha is Minnesota’s 19th state auditor and has been in office since January 2019. When Blaha took office, legislators were attempting to defund and possibly eliminate the Office of the State Auditor, according to the release.
Among the accomplishments she cited in her announcement was expanding the office’s oversight for the first time in decades and protecting local control for firefighters, public employees and taxpayers. Blaha also noted the modernization of audit technology, public tools and communication.
The office’s role is to oversee local government financial activity in the state by performing audits of and analyzing local government financial statements. It also reviews other data, reports and complaints related to finances.
Blaha said she will continue to serve through her term ending Jan. 4, 2027.
Attorney General Keith Ellison, who was elected to statewide office the same year as Blaha, issued a statement after the announcement, thanking her for her service to Minnesotans.
“Auditor Blaha breathed new life into the Office of State Auditor, and has been a true champion for transparency, accountability, and local control since she was first elected. I am truly grateful for all she has done to serve the people of Minnesota and support local governments across our state,” Ellison stated.
“On a more personal note, anyone who knows Julie knows that her optimism and energy are contagious. Julie is always quick with a joke or a kind word, and her passion for Minnesota shines through in everything she does, from her advocacy for the needs of our municipal governments all the way to her fantastic crop art.”
