Gary Dahms was born and raised in Clements, Minnesota and graduated from Redwood Falls High School. He attended the University of Minnesota where he earned a bachelor’s degree in agricultural business administration. He also graduated from the Blandin Community Leadership Program.

Gary owned and operated Dahms Insurance Agency for 25 years. He turned his appreciation for his community into a lifelong dedication of service and volunteerism. As President of the Redwood Area Education Foundation, he was responsible for a fundraising campaign to re-establish agricultural education in the Redwood Area Schools and he continues to support the program through his leadership in the Future Farmers of America (FFA) Alumni Association.

Gary lives in Redwood Falls with his wife Barb. They have two grown children, Michelle and Michael; and two grandchildren. They are active members of the First United Methodist Church in Redwood Falls.

Senator Dahms was first elected to the Senate in 2010.