Florian Chmielewski

Florian Chmielewski
5th President of the Minnesota Senate
In office 1987
Preceded by	Jerome M. Hughes
Succeeded by	Jerome M. Hughes
Member of the Minnesota Senate
In office January 1971 – January 1997
Personal details
Born	(1927-02-10)February 10, 1927 Sturgeon Lake, Minnesota, U.S.
Died	April 23, 2024(2024-04-23) (aged 97) Sturgeon Lake, Minnesota, U.S.
Political party	Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party
Spouse	Patricia Stolquist ​ ​ (m. 1956; died 2003)​
Children	4
Alma mater	University of Minnesota
Occupation	Television Executive Musician Politician

Florian W. Chmielewski Sr. (February 10, 1927 – April 23, 2024) was an American musician and politician. He played as an accordion player with the Chmielewski Family Funtime Band, performing polka music throughout the midwest.

Chmielewski was elected to the Senate in 1970, becoming chair of the employment committee in 1981. During a special session in 1987, Chmielewski was elected to serve as president, due to the absence of State Sen. Jerome M. Hughes, who both preceded and succeeded Chmielewski in the position. In 1996, Chmielewski became embroiled in the "phonegate" scandal. It was revealed that Chmielewski had given family members state long-distance access codes, allowing them to make phone calls at state expense. Chmielewski was ultimately defeated for re-election in 1996, after pleading guilty to a misdemeanor.

Chmielewski appeared on the weekly television show, Chmielewski Funtime, for over 35 years. He continued performing with his band up until his death on April 23, 2024, at the age of 97.