Hart Bros. Weaponry co-owner Milan Hart threw his hat in the political ring Wednesday.

The gun shop owner said he will run for state House District 27A next year.

Hart, 60, has lived just south of Albert Lea for 40 years and has owned his business with his wife, Elaine, for 39.

“I’m unhappy with the way things are being run,” said Hart, a Republican, about why he decided to seek office.

The seat is held by Rep. Shannon Savick, DFL-Wells.

Hart said his top three concerns are taxes, education and protecting the country’s farmers.

“Minnesotans cannot withstand a single extra tax,” he said.

Hart, a Vietnam War veteran, gained recognition earlier this year when he and his wife announced they were surrendering their federal firearms license because of what they described as paperwork mistakes.

Before that happened, Hart said he was the highest-volume independent gun dealer in Minnesota, selling between 5,000 and 7,000 guns a year. Some guns are still for sale in the shop, but once those in stock are sold, the company cannot receive wholesale firearms and sell them as retail. They intend to continue to sell parts and antique weapons, to make repairs and to offer appraisals. Hart and his wife have two sons and four grandchildren.

District 27A encompasses all of Freeborn County, portions of Faribault, Dodge and Steele counties, and, Udolpho Township in Mower.