Role Politician Name Jeff Backer | Children Brittany Backer Spouse(s) Judy Gnifkowski | |
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Occupation small business owner Mayor legislator Residence Browns Valley, Minnesota, United States | ||
Meet the Candidates: House District 12A (2016)
Jeff Backer Jr. (born January 3, 1967) is a Minnesota politician and member of the Minnesota House of Representatives. A member of the Republican Party of Minnesota, he represents District 12A, which includes all of Big Stone, Grant, Stevens, Wilkin and Traverse counties and the western part of Douglas and Pope counties.
Contents
- Meet the Candidates House District 12A 2016
- Informational interview with Rep Jeff Backer R Browns Valley
- Early Life Education and Career
- Elections
- Tenure
- Committee Assignments
- Personal life
- References
Informational interview with Rep. Jeff Backer (R-Browns Valley)
Early Life, Education, and Career
Backer was born and raised in Browns Valley, Minnesota, growing up alongside his identical twin brother Jay. To help pay for their college, they ran their own lawn business and also worked with their father in his independent mechanic business and helping area farmers. He graduated from Browns Valley High School. In 1991, he graduated from St. Cloud State University with a B.S. Degree in Chemistry & Public Administration. Since 1993, Backer and his brother have run a catalog business, BW Incorporated, in Browns Valley.
Backer has served as a volunteer EMT for Browns Valley Ambulance since 1995. Backer was elected to Browns Valley City Council in 2000 where he served until 2004. In 2004 he was elected as Mayor of Browns Valley where he served until 2010. Backer has also served as a member of the Minnesota Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training and served as a School Board Member for the Browns Valley School District 801.
Elections
Backer was elected on November 4, 2014, defeating the incumbent Rep. Jay McNamar (DFL) by 1057 votes, a margin of 7.52%.
Tenure
Backer was sworn in on January 6, 2015.
Committee Assignments
For the 89th Legislative Session, Backer is a part of:
Personal life
In 1993, Backer married his wife Judy Gnifkowski. They have one daughter Brittany. Backer taught fifth and sixth grade release time at Zion Lutheran Church in Browns Valley where he is an active member. Backer is a member of the Browns Valley Lions Club.