Roger Skraba

ELY – Ely Mayor Roger J. Skraba threw his hat in the ring for the State House District 3A seat this week when he announced his candidacy as a Republican.
In a press release, Skraba, born and raised in Ely, said, “It’s time that an elected conservative voice is heard from northeastern Minnesota at the State Capitol. The DFL of my parents’ and grandparents’ generations has left us and has been replaced by far-left extremists. I want to bring representation to those they left.” 
The seat is currently held by Rep. Rob Ecklund.
Skraba said he is running “to support the growth of our diverse economies” in northeastern Minnesota. “Currently the metro-controlled DFL controls what economies we have, which in turn affects our way of life. I want to represent our way of life to grow our economies so our school children can stay in the Northland to raise families and prosper as strong communities. We all owe it to them to fight for our way of life.”
Skraba, 60, is a U.S. Army veteran, North Dakota State University graduate, a Blandin Leadership graduate, and has been involved in elected politics for over 15 years. 
“I’m well versed in how the political wheels work in Minnesota. I will use those years of experience to keep mining and timber production at the forefront and will always be on the search for new opportunities to grow the Northland,” he said.
Skraba is also the chairman of the St. Louis County Planning Commission, president of Club Mesabi, and trail administrator for the Ely Igloo Snowmobile Clubs Grant-in-Aid trails. He works as a fishing guide and carpenter.