Minnesota Supreme Court Justice David Lillehaug will not seek re-election after announcing he’s been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
In a statement released Wednesday, Lillehaug said he plans to step down on July 21, 2020.
“I have loved my six years of work on the Court and had planned to serve for a few more years. But my plan has changed because I have Parkinson’s disease. It’s at an early stage, it’s well-managed, and I feel great,” he said.
Lillehaug wants to work part-time going forward to have a more “flexible schedule.” The Minnesota Supreme Court Justice plans to use his extra time to do more traveling and outdoor activities with his wife, according to his statement.
Health issues are prompting Justice David Lillehaug's decision to exit the #MNSupremeCourt in July 2020. He says he had planned to serve longer: "But my plan has changed because I have Parkinson’s disease. It’s at an early stage, it’s well-managed, and I feel great." #mnlaw pic.twitter.com/sxu6fAcxFO
— Kevin Featherly (@kevinfeatherly) June 12, 2019
“I look forward to the coming year on the Court. The opportunity to work with my colleagues for the people of Minnesota continues to be the greatest honor of my life,” he said.
Lillehaug survived throat cancer in 2013 after former Gov. Mark Dayton appointed him that same year.
President Bill Clinton appointed Lillehaug as the United States Attorney for the District of Minnesota from 1994 to 1998. After stepping down, he launched two unsuccessful campaigns for Minnesota Attorney General and Senate openings.
Gov. Tim Walz released a statement following Lillehaug’s announcement:
“Justice Lillehaug is a brilliant legal mind and true public servant. For decades, he’s brought his deep constitutional knowledge and strong moral compass to nearly every constitutional issue facing Minnesota. I was sorry to learn of Justice Lillehaug’s anticipated retirement, and I thank him for his dedicated service to the people of Minnesota.”
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Zachery Schmidt is the digital editor of Battleground State News.
Photo “David Lillehaug” by Minnesota Courts.
