Career
A Republican, he was first elected to the Senate in 2006, and was re-elected in 2010. He also ran unsuccessfully for the seat in 2002 against former Senator Dean Johnson. He served as an assistant minority leader.
Gimse ran for re-election in 2012 in the newly drawn 17th District, but was defeated by Clara City DFLer Lyle Koenen.
He also served on the Business, Industry and Jobs Subcommittee for Bioscience and Renewable Energy Development, on the Finance subcommittees for the Agriculture and Veterans Budget and Policy Division and the Transportation Budget and Policy Division, and on the State and Local Government Operations and Oversight Subcommittee for Elections. His special legislative concerns included education, health care, economic development, transportation, and business development.
Gimse is a home builder and land developer by profession. He attended Willmar High School in Willmar, then served as a specialist in the United States Army in Germany from 1975 to 1979.
He attended Ridgewater College (formerly Willmar Technical College)in Willmar, earning an Associate of Applied Science in Automotive Technology in 1981, and a Certificate in Supervisory Management in 1987.
Gimse is an avid hunter and outdoorsman.
