Kelly Morrison

Kelly Morrison is an American physician and politician currently serving as the U.S. Representative for Minnesota's 3rd congressional district. A member of the Democratic Party, she began her term in the House of Representatives on January 3, 2025. Prior to her congressional service, Morrison held various positions within the Minnesota state legislature, including roles in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. Her background as a practicing obstetrician-gynecologist informs her legislative priorities, particularly in health care and women's rights.

Early life and career

Kelly Morrison was born on February 2, 1969, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She grew up in the area, attending Jefferson Elementary School before moving on to The Blake School, a private institution known for its rigorous academic curriculum. Following her secondary education, Morrison pursued higher education at Yale University, where she graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in history. This academic foundation provided her with a broad perspective on societal issues, which would later influence her political career.

After completing her undergraduate studies, Morrison attended Boston University to fulfill her pre-medical requirements. She then went on to earn her Doctor of Medicine degree from the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. As a practicing obstetrician-gynecologist, Morrison has dedicated her career to women's health, providing care and support to expectant mothers and their families. Her medical background has significantly shaped her legislative focus, particularly in areas related to health care policy and reproductive rights.

House tenure

Morrison's political career began at the state level when she was elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives in 2018. She successfully defeated the Republican incumbent, Cindy Pugh, marking the start of her legislative journey. Morrison was reelected in 2020, overcoming a challenge from Republican nominee Andrew Myers. During her time in the Minnesota House, she represented District 33B, which encompasses parts of Hennepin and Carver counties. Her tenure in the House lasted until 2023, during which she served as an assistant majority leader for the House DFL Caucus during the 2021-2022 session.

In 2022, following legislative redistricting, Morrison sought the Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) Party endorsement for the newly established Senate District 45. She received endorsements from prominent figures, including Speaker of the Minnesota House Melissa Hortman and U.S. Representative Dean Phillips. After winning the party's endorsement, she faced no primary challenge from the incumbent senator, Ann Johnson Stewart, who subsequently endorsed Morrison. In the general election, Morrison defeated Republican nominee Kathleen Fowke, further solidifying her position in Minnesota politics. During her time in the Senate, she served as an assistant majority leader for the Senate DFL Caucus and held various committee assignments, including vice chair of the Transportation Committee and membership in committees focused on health and human services, environment, climate, and local government.

Morrison's time in the Minnesota Senate was relatively short-lived, as she resigned on June 6, 2024, to concentrate on her campaign for the U.S. House of Representatives. Her decision to run for Congress was prompted by the announcement that the incumbent representative, Dean Phillips, would not seek reelection in order to pursue a presidential campaign. On November 9, 2023, Morrison declared her candidacy for the Democratic primary in Minnesota's 3rd congressional district. Her campaign emphasized her commitment to women's rights, particularly her work in passing pro-choice legislation, and highlighted her unique position as a physician in Congress.

In the 2024 election, Morrison was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives on November 5, 2024, defeating her Republican opponent, Tad Jude. Her victory was notable as she became the first pro-choice obstetrician-gynecologist elected to Congress, a distinction that underscores her commitment to health care issues and women's rights.

Legislative focus and committees

Since taking office in January 2025, Morrison has actively engaged in her role as a U.S. Representative. She joined the House's inaugural Democratic Doctors' Caucus, which aims to address health care issues from a medical professional's perspective. Morrison's medical background informs her legislative priorities, particularly in health care policy, women's health, and reproductive rights. Her focus on these areas reflects her commitment to advocating for comprehensive health care solutions and supporting policies that benefit women and families.

Morrison serves on several important committees, including the Committee on Small Business and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Within the Committee on Small Business, she is a member of the Subcommittee on Contracting and Infrastructure, as well as the Subcommittee on Rural Development, Energy, and Supply Chains, where she holds the position of Ranking Member. These roles allow her to address issues related to small businesses and economic development, particularly in rural areas.

In addition to her work on small business issues, Morrison is also involved in the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, where she serves on the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs and the Subcommittee on Health. Her involvement in these committees highlights her commitment to supporting veterans and ensuring they receive the care and benefits they deserve.

Morrison is a member of several caucuses that align with her legislative priorities. These include the Congressional Equality Caucus, which advocates for LGBTQ+ rights, the New Democrat Coalition, which focuses on modernizing the Democratic Party's approach to economic issues, and the Congressional Freethought Caucus, which promotes secular governance. Additionally, she is part of the Reproductive Freedom Caucus, which underscores her commitment to protecting reproductive rights and access to health care.

Morrison resides in Deephaven, Minnesota, with her husband, John Willoughby, and their three children. She is an active member of her community and participates in local civic activities, including her membership at Trinity Episcopal Church in Excelsior, Minnesota. Her personal and professional experiences continue to shape her approach as a legislator, as she seeks to address the needs and concerns of her constituents in Minnesota's 3rd congressional district.