About Paul Kohls
Paul and his wife Kelly have been married for ten years and live in Victoria with their two children, Stanley (8) and Caroline (6). Paul was elected to the House of Representatives for District 34A (central and western Carver county and Louisville, Jackson, and St. Lawrence townships in Scott county) in 2002 where he continues to serve as a member after winning re-election with overwhelming support in 2004, 2006, and 2008.
In the Minnesota House of Representatives, Paul is a member of the Tax committee, Finance Committee, Public Safety Finance Division, and the Public Safety and Civil Justice committee. During his tenure in office Paul has been recognized by many groups and organizations for his outstanding legislative work.
Paul has deep Minnesota roots. His great-grandparents and grandparents lived in New Germany, Minnesota, where his father was born, and later attended elementary school at St. Mark's. Paul grew up in, New Hope, in the northwest suburbs of the Twin Cities. His parents, Ron and Sheila, are small business owners and he has one brother, Mark. Paul went to Robbinsdale Cooper High School where he participated in soccer, swimming, track, football, and student government, among other things.
Paul attended college at the University of St. Thomas, where he received his BA in Political Science. He then received his JD from the University of Minnesota Law School.
Paul's wife Kelly is a native of Waconia, Minnesota, where her family has lived for several generations. Kelly was a special education teacher for several years prior to having children. She now stays busy serving and volunteering in the community. She is a member of the Ridgeview Medical Center Foundation Board of Directors and volunteers at St. Joseph's school and at the food shelf in Waconia.
In addition to serving in the legislature, Paul worked as a senior manager and lawyer for Allianz Life Insurance Company in Golden Valley. Prior to joining Allianz, Paul worked as an attorney for the law firm Rider Bennett in Minneapolis. Immediately following law school, Paul worked as a law clerk for a judge at the Minnesota Court of Appeals.
Paul and Kelly are active members of St. Victoria's Catholic Parish in Victoria.