U.S. Term Limits announced on September 23, 2026, that former Minnesota Senate Minority Leader David Hann has agreed to serve as Minnesota State Co-Chair for the organization. Hann's decision to take on this role brings significant political weight to the push for congressional term limits, leveraging his decades of experience in state government, business, and civic leadership. His involvement could be pivotal in advancing the reform in Minnesota and setting an example for other states.
Hann, a four-term Minnesota state senator and former Senate Minority Leader, has firsthand knowledge of how government institutions operate. He believes that congressional term limits can help restore accountability and citizen leadership in Washington. "Public office should fundamentally be about service," Hann said. "Our system of government works best when elected officials remember that they are accountable to the citizens they represent." This perspective underscores the core argument of term limits advocates: that prolonged incumbency can lead to detachment from constituents and entrenchment in Washington.
Hann's critique of career politicians is central to why this announcement matters. "Too often, Washington has become dominated by career politicians who remain in office for decades," he continued. "Term limits would create greater opportunities for new leaders, new perspectives and citizen legislators to serve. They would also help ensure that elected officials remain connected to the people rather than becoming entrenched in Washington." By joining U.S. Term Limits, Hann is putting his reputation and network behind a constitutional amendment that would limit the number of terms members of Congress can serve. This is not a new position for him; he signed the U.S. Term Limits pledge supporting such an amendment in March 2026, signaling a long-standing commitment to the cause.
The appointment carries implications beyond Minnesota. U.S. Term Limits is the nation's largest grassroots advocacy organization dedicated to establishing term limits at all levels of government, particularly for Congress. Philip Blumel, President of U.S. Term Limits, praised Hann's credentials: "David brings an extraordinary depth of experience in public service, the private sector and state government. He understands both the responsibilities of elected office and the importance of ensuring government remains accountable to the people. His leadership and knowledge of Minnesota will be tremendous assets as we work to advance congressional term limits in the state." Hann's background includes service on the Eden Prairie School Board, four terms in the Minnesota State Senate, and roles as executive director of the Minnesota Association of Townships and chairman of the Minnesota Republican Party. This breadth of experience could help bridge divides and attract bipartisan support.
Hann joins Reed Olson, who currently serves as Minnesota State Co-Chair. Together, they will lead efforts to build support for congressional term limits in Minnesota. The state has already seen legislative activity: lawmakers introduced resolutions supporting an Article V convention to propose a term limits amendment, including HF4305 and SF4651 during the 2026 legislative session. An Article V convention would allow states to propose amendments to the U.S. Constitution, bypassing Congress. If successful, this could fundamentally alter the composition of Congress by forcing regular turnover and reducing the influence of long-serving incumbents.
The stakes are high. Term limits advocates argue that such a reform would increase accountability, encourage citizen legislators, and restore trust in government. Critics contend that term limits could reduce legislative expertise and shift power to unelected staff and lobbyists. Hann's leadership will be tested as he navigates these debates and works to persuade Minnesotans and their lawmakers. His decision to serve as co-chair also highlights the growing national momentum behind term limits, as more states consider resolutions and pledges. With Hann on board, U.S. Term Limits gains a seasoned operative who can help translate grassroots energy into legislative action. The outcome in Minnesota could influence other states and ultimately determine whether Congress faces a constitutional deadline on its members' tenure.
