Mark William Holsten is an American politician in Minnesota. Holsten, a Republican, served in the Minnesota House of Representatives from 1993 to 2002. He represented district 56A until November 2002 and, after redistricting, won election in 52B but was appointed Deputy Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources before the following session started. He served as chairman of the House Environment and Natural Resources Finance Committee. Holsten was appointed to replace Eugene R. Merriam as Commissioner of the Department of Natural Resources starting in January 2007. Holsten holds a bachelor's degree in sociology and history from the University of Minnesota Duluth and a teaching license from the University of Saint Thomas. Electoral history 2002 MN State House Seat 52B Mark Holsten (R), 58.75% Rebecca Otto (DFL), 41.17% 2000 MN State House Seat 56A Mark Holsten (R), 57.57% Joan M. Beaver (DFL), 42.43% 1998 MN State House Seat 56A Mark Holsten (R), 64.3% Paul A. Hetland (DFL), 35.5% External links 1965 births Living people University of Minnesota Duluth alumni University of St. Thomas (Minnesota) alumni Republican Party members of the Minnesota House of Representatives State cabinet secretaries of Minnesota 21st-century American politicians