Representative Arlen Ingolf Erdahl

Arlen Ingolf Erdahl served as a Representative from Minnesota in the United States Congress from 1979 to 1983. A member of the Republican Party, Arlen Ingolf Erdahl contributed to the legislative process during 2 terms in office.

Arlen Ingolf Erdahl’s service in Congress occurred during a significant period in American history. As a member of the House of Representatives, Arlen Ingolf Erdahl participated in the democratic process and represented the interests of constituents.

Arlen Ingolf Erdahl (February 27, 1931 – September 21, 2023) was an American farmer and politician from Minnesota. A member of the Republican Party, he served as a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives from 1963 to 1971, the 18th Minnesota Secretary of State from 1971 to 1975, and as a U.S. Representative from Minnesota’s 1st congressional district for two terms between 1979 and 1983. Erdahl later had presidential appointments to serve as Country Director and later Associate Director for the Peace Corps from 1983 to 1989 and as Principal Deputy/Acting Assistant Secretary for International Affairs at the U.S. Department of Energy from 1989 to 1993. He served on the boards of the United Nations Association of Minnesota, Nobel Peace Prize Forum, Minnesota chapter of People to People, Minneapolis Lodge of the Sons of Norway, and Growth & Justice. In 1999, Erdahl received the Twin Cities International Citizen Award, and in 2011 he was recognized for his public leadership and service with the Hubert H. Humphrey Public Leadership Award by the Humphrey School of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota.