Throughout his career in public service Tad Jude has championed lower taxes, smaller government, clean air and water, rails to trails and stronger law enforcement for our communities.
Having entered public service in 1972, Jude has deep roots in the community. Jude first served in the Minnesota House of Representatives and the Minnesota Senate. He later served on the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners and held the esteemed Minnesota District Court Judge role for 11 years.
Jude earned his law degree from William Mitchell College of Law in 1977. He has held legal positions at various firms, including Jude and Guenningsman, Magsam and Harwig, and Trimble and Associates. He specialized in workers' compensation law, practicing for the Special Compensation Fund. He chaired the full House Judiciary Committee and the Senate Civil Justice division within the Minnesota Legislature. Jude participated in judicial education programs, including studies in Law and Economics at the Antonin Scalia Law School, George Mason University.
Tad developed a reputation for tireless door-knocking on tens of thousands of homes in his district. He is known for his unwavering commitment to public service and legal excellence and has carved a distinguished career spanning various facets of law and community leadership.
Born and raised in Minnesota, Jude hails from Maple Lake; he is the eldest among the 11 children born to Ruth (Huisentruit) Jude and Victor N. Jude. Notably, he is the nephew of Dr. James Jude, a key figure in the development of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
Tad embarked on his journey in public service after obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of St. Thomas. He honed his legal skills by earning a Juris Doctor from William Mitchell College of Law. Jude was a 523rd Army Security Agency member in the Army Reserve.
Making history as the youngest individual ever elected to the Minnesota Legislature, Jude secured his position at the age of 20 during the 1972 election, officially assuming office at 21 the subsequent January.
In 2010, Jude emerged victorious from a crowd of 24 well-qualified contenders to secure a position as District Court Judge for Minnesota's 10th Judicial District. This district includes Anoka and seven other counties.
Jude was reelected in 2016, running uncontested and further solidifying his service on Minnesota's 10th Judicial District Court.
Jude has been recognized for his outstanding achievements by being named the MN Chamber of Commerce Citizen Legislator of the Year, a testament to his dedication to serving his constituents and the broader business community. Jude remains deeply engaged in various community organizations and initiatives. He currently serves as a vice commander at the American Legion Post 303. He actively participated on the Northwest YMCA Board, Catholic Charities of St. Paul/Minneapolis Board, Senior Community Services Board, and Jodi’s Network of Hope Board. He also sits on the Action for Children/Zambia Board, which is committed to global humanitarian efforts.
Jude is a MN Sheriff’s Association Public Safety member. West Hennepin Human Services recognized Jude as a Citizen of Distinction. MADD has recognized his work in the areas of illegal alcohol and drug addiction.
Tad is married to Jacelyn and is the proud father of three children, contributing to a blended family of nine. Jude remains grounded in his commitment to serving others and making a meaningful difference in the lives of those around him.
Jude spearheaded numerous legislative initiatives and accomplishments, including:
- A constitutional amendment that led to the establishment of Minnesota's Court of Appeals an the current structure of the Minnesota Supreme Court.
- Integrating municipal and county courts into a unified district court trial bench.
- Transformation of abandoned rail corridors into recreational trails, starting with the Luce Line Trail.
- Reducing, Reusing, waste-to-energy, recycling, and composting programs as sustainable landfill alternatives.
- Implementation of a statewide 911 emergency reporting and response system.
- Introduction of graphic license plates for Minnesota vehicles.
- Secure policing and safe shelter measures for Metro Transit.
- Implementation of clean water programs for Minnesota lakes and streams.
WORKING TOGETHER WE MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Together, we can amplify our voices, pool our resources, and achieve greater impact.
Let's unite for effective change in the MN CD03
We can achieve more than we ever could alone
