Leigh Finke
Leigh Finke | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Member of the Minnesota House of Representatives from the 66A district | |
| Assumed office January 3, 2023 | |
| Preceded by | Alice Hausman |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Minnesota |
| Bildung | Bethel University (BA) DePaul University (MA) |
Leigh Finke is an American politician who is a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives for the 66A district,[1] which includes the cities of Falcon Heights, Lauderdale, southeastern Roseville, and portions of Saint Paul.[2]
Early life and education
Finke was born in Minnesota. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English literature from Bethel University in 2003 and a Master of Arts in Shakespeare from DePaul University.[3]
Career
Early career
From 2007 to 2008, Finke worked as an adjunct professor of at DePaul University and Normandale Community College. Finke worked in renewable energy policy advocacy from 2011 to 2015. From 2013 to 2019 she was a reporter for Yes!, where she covered the intersection of justice movements and popular culture. From 2015 to 2018, she was a project manager at Sparkhouse. From 2018 to 2021, Finke was the Sr. Producer at 1517 Media. During her time as Sr. Producer, she wrote and produced two documentary films, 'Ending the Silence: Confronting Sexual Shame in the Church' and White Savior: Racism in the American Church.' She also edited two non-fiction books for Beaming Books, 'Queerfully and Wonderfully Made' and 'Welcoming and Affirming'. In 2021 and 2022, she worked as Multimedia Storyteller for the ACLU of Minnesota.[4] In late 2022, she was publicly critical of those spreading the transphobic litter boxes in schools hoax.[5]
Minnesota House of Representatives
Finke's first term began on January 3, 2023, with the convening of the 93rd Minnesota Legislature.[4]
Personal life
Finke is the first openly transgender person to serve in the Minnesota Legislature.[4]
Electoral history
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic (DFL) | Leigh Finke | 4,034 | 63.17 | |
| Democratic (DFL) | Dave Thomas | 2,352 | 36.83 | |
| Total votes | 6,386 | 100% | ||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic (DFL) | Leigh Finke | 15,635 | 81.14 | |
| Republican | Trace Johnson | 3,569 | 18.52 | |
| Total votes | 19,268 | 100% | ||
References
- ^ Brown, Kyle (2022-11-10). "Historic election brings several milestones to Minnesota Legislature". KSTP.com Eyewitness News. Retrieved 2022-11-13.
- ^ "Legislative District 66A" (PDF). Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State.
- ^ Eidsvoog, Emma; Johnson, Makenzi (2021-03-23). "Places to breathe". bethelclarion.com. Retrieved 2022-11-13.
- ^ a b c "Leigh Finke to become first transgender legislator in Minnesota House". www.cbsnews.com. Retrieved 2022-11-13.
- ^ Stroozas, Sam (October 3, 2022). "Jensen spreads false rumor about Minnesota's LGBTQ+ youth". Minnesota Public Radio. Retrieved October 6, 2022.