House 2011-2012 (District 65A); House 2013-2022 (District 65A)
Party when first elected: Democratic-Farmer-Labor
Counties Served: Ramsey
Southern Illinois University; B.S.; Early Childhood EducationUniversity of Minnesota, Humphrey School of Public Affairs; Fellowship; Policy Fellow, 2013-2014
Spouse: John Stewart Children: Seven children Family Members Who Have Served in the Minnesota Legislature:
She came to the Twin Cities from Chicago, Illinois in July 2000. She lived in homeless shelter when she first arrived.She (along with Rep. John Harrington) were reported as "St. Paul's first black legislators." (Pioneer Press, January 5, 2011)She is the first person of color to chair the House Ways and Means committee. (Informational Interview with House Public Information, February 4, 2022)She has said she is the great-great-granddaughter of slaves.She is one of the founding members of the United Black Legislative Caucus.